NEW DELHI: A disturbing video of a woman and a man being flogged in public by Tajimul Islam is surfacing on social media. Tajimul Islam, better known as ‘JCB’ among locals is known to be associated with the political party TMC.
In the footage, Tajimul is seen brutally beating the couple with bamboo sticks, allegedly administering the punishment in his role presiding over ‘salishi sabhas’ (kangaroo courts) that deliver swift justice in local disputes. The incident has sparked outrage across various sections of society.
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Tajimul, a resident of Dighalgaon village in Uttar Dinajpur district, was arrested on Sunday, June 30, following police registration of a case based on the June 28 incident captured in the video.
Commenting on the arrest, Twitter user N. Sunil Kumar remarked, “Tajimul is now a VIP prisoner of WB police till the matter cools down.” Another user, Debaditya, criticized the focus on the accused’s medical examination over the victims’ plight, stating, “So medical examination of the criminal is more important than the woman and man who were mercilessly assaulted by this criminal.”
The incident has also drawn criticism on the political scenario of India. Rational Bihari, a social media user, lamented the state of politics in West Bengal, saying, “Nothing to worry about. Appeasement politics will keep going on in Bengal and BJP has also done its part i.e. Condemnation. I really can’t believe this type of medieval barbarism has started in India.”
However, the controversy escalated further when TMC MLA Hamidul Rahman defended the incident, suggesting that the woman who was publicly flogged was characterless. In our Muslim Rashtra, such societal deliberation and sentencing happen. His remarks sparked widespread backlash and debate on social media platforms.
Reacting to the MLA’s statement, activist Purnima Kaul tweeted, “The woman who was publicly flogged was characterless, in that case, why not beat the maulvi who rapes an eight-year-old, and what about those who gang-raped a minor .. if men do it, it’s is fine but if women do it, it is wrong .. sick mentality”
Meanwhile, user Aswasthama expressed dismay over the incident’s implications, questioning, “Is this a joke? Will the country be governed by the constitution or by Islamic law? Shame on Mamta !!”
The incident has underscored deep concerns over vigilante justice and the rule of law in West Bengal. The Chief Minister’s office has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, as pressure mounts for concrete measures to ensure justice and prevent similar incidents in the future.