পকেট মারা

Contexte culturel

In Kolkata, the 'Pocketmar' is a legendary figure in local lore. Public buses often have hand-painted signs warning passengers. It's considered a 'skill' that requires years of practice. In Dhaka, especially in areas like Sadarghat or Farmgate, pickpocketing is very common. People often carry their backpacks in the front to prevent 'পকেট মারা' or bag-cutting. Pickpockets are often portrayed as 'lovable rogues' or desperate individuals in parallel cinema, highlighting the socio-economic reasons behind the crime. In local markets, if a 'pocketmar' is caught, the public often takes the law into their own hands before the police arrive. This is known as 'গণধোলাই' (mass beating).