Kolkata, The public flogging of a couple in West Bengal's Uttar Dinajpur district has sparked outrage: Governor CV Ananda Bose sought a report from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, while the BJP accused the ruling TMC of "unleashing the Taliban government" in the state.
The man seen in a viral video beating the couple with a bamboo stick was identified as Tajmul alias 'JCB', allegedly a TMC leader from Chopra area. He was arrested last night.
When he was produced before a local court, Tajmul was sentenced to five days of police custody.
Police registered a case on Sunday after a video of the incident, which occurred on Friday, went viral on social media. The video could not be independently verified.
The BJP alleged that Tajmul had links with Chopra MLA Hamidul Islam, who allegedly defended him despite the TMC's condemnation of the incident.
A new video has also surfaced showing Tajmul beating another couple a few days ago.
Governor Bose, who has had tense relations with the state government over various issues, expressed shock over the incident and described it as "barbaric", according to a Raj Bhavan official.
"He condemned the incident and sought an immediate report from CM Banerjee," the official said.
BJP women MLAs in West Bengal staged a protest on Monday at the Assembly premises over partner assault and alleged atrocities against women in various parts of the state.
"The TMC government's appeasement policy has turned the state into a den of anti-social activities. It seems that the ruling TMC and its thugs have unleashed Taliban rule in the state," said BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul.
The West Bengal Police on Monday said that malicious efforts are being made from certain quarters to spread misinformation and give political color to the incident.
"The fact is that on learning about the incident, the police quickly identified the culprit and arrested him. A suo motu case has been initiated in the matter and an investigation is underway. The victim has been provided police security. IC Chopra has been a spectacle caused by the incident," the West Bengal police posted in X.
Senior TMC leader Shantanu Sen condemned the incident and said the state government is taking all necessary steps to address the situation.
"We do not support such incidents. Security has been provided to the victims. Others involved will not be spared either," the TMC spokesperson said.
However, Islam's remarks, the local MLA, accusing the couple of "polluting society by entering into an illicit relationship" sparked an angry reaction from the BJP.
"The couple allegedly had an illicit relationship, for which they were flogged. With their activities they socially contaminated society," he said.
"The woman was at fault for engaging in an illicit relationship despite having a child and a husband. Is this not a crime? Is this not an immoral act?" Islam was questioned.
Paul slammed the Trinamool Congress MLA, questioning whether the TMC has "imposed Sharia law in the state".
Such comments by an elected representative are not only regressive but will also encourage others to take the law into their own hands, he claimed.
According to police, the flogging was ordered by an irregular court over allegations of an illicit relationship.
Locals allege that Tajmul is known for conducting irregular courts and extorting money from people.
The incident in Chopra has drawn comparisons with an earlier scandal in Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district, where TMC leader Sahajahan Sheikh and his associates were accused of sexual abuse and land grabbing.
The man seen in a viral video beating the couple with a bamboo stick was identified as Tajmul alias 'JCB', allegedly a TMC leader from Chopra area. He was arrested last night.
When he was produced before a local court, Tajmul was sentenced to five days of police custody.
Police registered a case on Sunday after a video of the incident, which occurred on Friday, went viral on social media. The video could not be independently verified.
The BJP alleged that Tajmul had links with Chopra MLA Hamidul Islam, who allegedly defended him despite the TMC's condemnation of the incident.
A new video has also surfaced showing Tajmul beating another couple a few days ago.
Governor Bose, who has had tense relations with the state government over various issues, expressed shock over the incident and described it as "barbaric", according to a Raj Bhavan official.
"He condemned the incident and sought an immediate report from CM Banerjee," the official said.
BJP women MLAs in West Bengal staged a protest on Monday at the Assembly premises over partner assault and alleged atrocities against women in various parts of the state.
"The TMC government's appeasement policy has turned the state into a den of anti-social activities. It seems that the ruling TMC and its thugs have unleashed Taliban rule in the state," said BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul.
The West Bengal Police on Monday said that malicious efforts are being made from certain quarters to spread misinformation and give political color to the incident.
"The fact is that on learning about the incident, the police quickly identified the culprit and arrested him. A suo motu case has been initiated in the matter and an investigation is underway. The victim has been provided police security. IC Chopra has been a spectacle caused by the incident," the West Bengal police posted in X.
Senior TMC leader Shantanu Sen condemned the incident and said the state government is taking all necessary steps to address the situation.
"We do not support such incidents. Security has been provided to the victims. Others involved will not be spared either," the TMC spokesperson said.
However, Islam's remarks, the local MLA, accusing the couple of "polluting society by entering into an illicit relationship" sparked an angry reaction from the BJP.
"The couple allegedly had an illicit relationship, for which they were flogged. With their activities they socially contaminated society," he said.
"The woman was at fault for engaging in an illicit relationship despite having a child and a husband. Is this not a crime? Is this not an immoral act?" Islam was questioned.
Paul slammed the Trinamool Congress MLA, questioning whether the TMC has "imposed Sharia law in the state".
Such comments by an elected representative are not only regressive but will also encourage others to take the law into their own hands, he claimed.
According to police, the flogging was ordered by an irregular court over allegations of an illicit relationship.
Locals allege that Tajmul is known for conducting irregular courts and extorting money from people.
The incident in Chopra has drawn comparisons with an earlier scandal in Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district, where TMC leader Sahajahan Sheikh and his associates were accused of sexual abuse and land grabbing.
