Mob Violence in West Bengal: TMC Strongmen brutally Assault woman

WEST BENGAL, INDIA – Recent incidents of mob violence in West Bengal have shocked the nation, showing a troubling rise in brutality and legal Disorder. In a particularly horrifying case, a woman was brutally beaten by men linked to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in the North 24 Parganas district. This incident has raised serious concerns about public safety and the rule of law in the state. Witnesses described the attack as vicious and unprovoked, leaving the woman severely injured. Many people are now questioning the effectiveness of local authorities in maintaining peace and order. The rise in such violent acts has caused widespread fear and outrage among residents, who are calling for swift and strong action against those responsible. This case highlights the urgent need for better law enforcement and measures to protect innocent people from such attacks.

Incident Overview

A video shared by West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar shows TMC strongman Jayanta Singh and his aides brutally assaulting a woman. The video, which has sparked widespread outrage, was reportedly taken in March 2021 at Taltala Club, Kamarhati. In the footage, Singh is seen holding the woman by her foot while his men hold her hands and beat her with sticks. The woman’s screams can be heard as Singh orders the beating. This shocking video has led to public anger and calls for action against the perpetrators, highlighting the urgent need for justice and stronger protection for victims of such violence.

Political Reaction

Sukanta Majumdar’s Condemnation: Sukanta Majumdar, the President of West Bengal BJP, expressed his deep horror and outrage on the social media platform X. He strongly condemned the brutal assault and criticized the TMC government for its failure to protect women’s rights. Majumdar’s statement underscored the need for stronger measures to ensure the safety and security of women in the state, calling attention to the government’s responsibility in preventing such violence.

Amit Malviya’s Call for Action: BJP leader Amit Malviya highlighted this incident as part of a broader pattern of violence perpetrated by TMC associates. He referenced another brutal attack on Meherun Nesha in Chopra to illustrate the ongoing issue. Malviya urged the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to take immediate action to address the escalating violence and lawlessness in Bengal. His call for intervention aimed to bring national attention to the serious human rights violations occurring in the state and to push for accountability and justice.

Police Investigation

A senior official from the Barrackpore police stated that they are in the process of verifying the authenticity of the video and trying to identify both the victim and the perpetrators involved. The official emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that they are gathering all necessary evidence to ascertain the facts of the case.

Speculation and Incident Details: There is speculation that the incident depicted in the video occurred in March 2021 when a man and a woman were allegedly caught near the Taltala Club on suspicion of theft. The police are investigating whether the current video corresponds to this reported incident. They are working to confirm if the brutal assault captured in the footage is related to the theft allegations, aiming to piece together a complete and accurate account of what transpired.

TMC’S Response

Riju Dutta’s Statement: TMC spokesperson Riju Dutta confirmed that the video is from March 2021 and stated that two individuals involved in the incident are currently in jail. He accused the BJP of using old videos to defame the TMC and the state, suggesting that the opposition is attempting to create a negative image of the party and its governance by circulating outdated and resolved cases.

Sagarika Ghose’s Assurance: TMC Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghose emphasized the state government’s zero-tolerance policy on crime. She assured the public that all wrongdoers, regardless of their political affiliations, will be prosecuted. Ghose highlighted the government’s commitment to justice and the rule of law, aiming to reinforce public trust in the state’s efforts to address and prevent such incidents of violence.

West Bengal’s Chaos: A Dangerous Parallel To Islamic State Tactics

If these violent acts are not curbed immediately, West Bengal risks being perceived as a state where the constitution holds no value, and chaos reigns supreme. This deterioration of law and order could foster an environment where fear and violence overshadow justice and democracy. The rule of law is fundamental to any democratic society, ensuring that all citizens are treated equally and protected under the same legal framework. When this principle is undermined by unchecked mob violence and political interference, the very fabric of democracy begins to unravel.

Such a trajectory could lead to West Bengal being viewed as a place where governance is dictated not by the law but by brute force and intimidation. This scenario is reminiscent of an Islamic state where the principles of justice and fairness are often compromised, and power dynamics are governed by fear and coercion. In such an environment, the rights and freedoms of individuals are severely curtailed, and the social order is maintained through violence rather than lawful governance.

The implications of this are profound. Citizens lose faith in the government’s ability to protect them and uphold justice, leading to widespread fear and insecurity. The absence of a robust legal system means that disputes are settled through violence and intimidation rather than through fair and impartial legal processes. This erodes public trust in institutions and can lead to further social unrest and instability.

Moreover, the perception of West Bengal as a state where the rule of law is weak could deter investment and economic development. Businesses and investors seek stable environments where the law is upheld, and their rights are protected. A reputation for lawlessness and violence can have long-lasting negative impacts on the state’s economy and its ability to attract and retain talent.

It is imperative for the West Bengal government to take decisive action to curb these violent acts and restore the rule of law. Failure to do so not only threaten the safety and security of its citizens but also jeopardizes the very principles of democracy and justice upon which the state and the nation are built. The government must demonstrate a firm commitment to upholding constitutional values and ensuring that justice prevails over fear and violence.

Conclusion

The brutal assault on a woman by TMC strongmen in North 24 Parganas is not just an isolated incident but a stark reflection of the growing lawlessness in West Bengal. Such heinous acts, perpetrated under the shadow of political affiliations, are a grave indictment of the current state of governance. It is appalling that under the leadership of a government that claims to champion women’s rights, such atrocities can occur.

Where is the law and order that is supposed to protect citizens? What are the authorities doing to prevent these barbaric acts? The repeated instances of mob violence raise critical questions about the direction in which West Bengal is heading. Is the state becoming a haven for lawlessness, where the rule of law is overshadowed by the rule of mobs?

And many more questions are unasked but will be asked in the future if not stopped in the present.

Drafted by Saurav Yadav student of School of Law and Legal Studies, Sanskriti University

Published on 9 July, 2024