THE WORLD OF FANTASY- HAUNTED BUILDINGS IN KOLKATA by Dishari Banerjee

“Jekhane Bhooter Bhoy”

1. Putul Bari/House of Dolls

Putul Bari or House of Dolls is a famous house located at 22 Hara Chandra Mullick Lane, adjacent to the Circular Railway track and close to the Shobhabazar jetty. In the 20th century, when the Hooghly river became conducive to facilitate trade activities, ships from foreign nations and other parts of India carrying different goods such as spices, silk, jute, etc. would halt at the Ahiritola and Shobhabazar ghats.

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It is believed that long back once upon a time, the owners or the babus, who lived in this house took advantage of their power during those times. They would rape young women at this place and then murder them to keep their crimes under wraps. As a result, the place became haunted by the tormented souls of women, who died a pitiable death at the hands of the babus.

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2. National Library

The National Library in Kolkata is considered to be one of the most haunted places in Kolkata. People said to have witnessed the spirit of Lady Met Calfe out there in the library. The corridors of the National Library have been experiencing the ghost of the lady.

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Many people say that they felt as if someone was breathing down their neck when they were reading alone. It’s not only readers, but even librarians have complained of seeing chairs being drawn away; chairs on which they were sitting along with hearing sounds of ruffling pages and books being dropped simultaneously. It is even said that there was an accident during a renovation work at the library in which twelve workers had lost their lives.

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3. Writer’s Building at BBD Bag

Writer’s Building is the former office of clerks and junior staff of the British raj and now the secretariat of the State Government. However, this heritage building is also said to be haunted.

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The person being mentioned is Captain Simpson of the East India Company, who was murdered here by revolutionaries during the struggle for independence. It is his ghost, which apparently walks here at night. Caretakers say that they hear noises late in the night, even though the building is closed for people after 7:00 pm. It is also said that no caretaker has been able to continue his job for more than 24 hours.

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4. South Park Street Cemetery

South Park Street Cemetery originally opened in 1767, around the time when the British Empire started to develop in Bengal. It was built as the old burial ground was getting full and were receiving too many bodies.

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There have been many people who have South Park Street Cemetery horror stories. It has been called the most haunted place in Kolkata. Some claim that when they have visited this graveyard they fainted or felt suddenly very ill. Others say, that they have felt chills up their spine, couldn’t breathe, or have a weird feeling like that. The first person to be buried here was John Wood a writer at the Customs House.

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