Opposition Slams Mamata Banerjee’s Government Over Viral Assault Video
Following the release of a horrific video depicting a guy severely attacking two people, including a woman, on a street in front of a passive audience, West Bengal’s opposition parties have launched a strong criticism of Mamata Banerjee’s government. The incident apparently occurred over the weekend in Chopra, Uttar Dinajpur District, North Bengal.
The Incident
The video, which has since gone viral, shows a man repeatedly beating a woman with sticks while she cries in pain. The attacker then directs his wrath at a male, continuing the assault. Alarmingly, the crowd appears to be helping the attacker rather than interfering. At one moment, the aggressor snatches the woman’s hair and kicks her.
Political Allegations
According to the leaders of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the assailant is Tajemul, a local strongman purportedly linked with the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). They say Tajemul is known for delivering “instant justice” in local disputes.
Police and Government Response
The local police have filed a case and are actively looking for the accused. TMC spokeswoman Riju Dutta highlighted that the party does not condone such violence and promised that the culprit, regardless of political affiliation, would face the full force of the law.
“What the BJP is saying is immaterial because they are politically bankrupt, they will say whatever they want to say. It’s a heinous crime. The Trinamool Congress doesn’t want to know who this guy is or what his political affiliations are. Whoever this guy is, the police are looking for him. The strictest arm of the law will be meted out to him. He will not be spared. He will be made an example as soon as he gets caught,” said Dutta.
Opposition’s Critique
BJP politicians have used the opportunity to criticize the state’s law and order situation under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Amit Malviya, chairman of the BJP’s IT department and co-incharge of Bengal, said the episode exemplified the “ugly face of Mamata Banerjee’s rule in West Bengal.” He accused Tajemul of organizing quasi-judicial assemblies to deliver “insaf” (justice) and of having a tight relationship with Chopra MLA Hamidur Rahman.
“India must wake up to the reality of Sharia Courts in TMC-run West Bengal. There is a #Sandeshkhali in every village and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is a curse for women. There is no semblance of law and order in Bengal. Will Mamata Banerjee act against this monster or defend him like she stood up for Sheikh Shahjahan?” Malviya posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, while flagging the issue to the National Commission for Women.
Conclusion
The video has aroused widespread political outrage, underscoring longstanding worries about law and order in West Bengal. As the inquiry continues, the public expects the state government to take real measures to address this distressing situation and secure justice for the victims.