NEW DELHI: In a shocking incident that has sparked widespread outrage, a video showing a couple being flogged in public has surfaced from Uttar Dinajpur district’s Chopra area in West Bengal.
The accused, identified as Tajmul Islam alias ‘JCB’, purportedly a local leader associated with the Trinamool Congress (TMC), was seen in the video wielding a bamboo stick to administer the punishment. According to reports, the couple was subjected to this punishment on suspicions of engaging in an illicit relationship, as decreed by the kangaroo court.
Police initiated an investigation and arrested Tajmul Islam based on the viral footage and public outcry. The incident has drawn condemnation from various quarters, including political leaders and social activists, who have criticized the use of such extrajudicial methods.
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West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose expressed shock over the incident and has sought an immediate report from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. “He condemned the incident and has sought an immediate report from CM Banerjee,” an official confirmed.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has called for CM Mamata Banerjee’s resignation, citing a deterioration in law and order under her administration. BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia condemned the incident as a grave violation of human dignity and questioned the Chief Minister’s silence on the matter. Bhatia also criticized TMC MLA Hamidul Rahaman for allegedly justifying the incident by referencing practices in certain Islamic nations.
In response, Trinamool MLA Hamidul Rahaman clarified that Tajmul Islam, the perp, holds no official position within the TMC despite his association with the party.
Local leaders from opposition parties have accused Tajmul Islam of organizing kangaroo courts to settle disputes ranging from property issues to personal matters, allegedly with political backing that has instilled fear among residents.
The incident has reignited debates about the rule of law and the prevalence of vigilante justice in certain regions. Civil society groups have called for stringent action against those responsible for such acts of vigilantism.
The Chief Minister’s office has yet to issue an official statement on the incident, while pressure mounts on the state government to ensure justice and prevent such incidents from recurring.