Video Of Public Whipping Of Couple In West Bengal Goes Viral; TMC MLA Says, "In Our Muslim Rashtra There Are Punishments"

The ruling TMC in West Bengal is under fire from all corners after a TMC functionary was caught on tape whipping and assaulting a woman and a man in a salishi sabha (kangaroo court) over an alleged extramarital affair.

The horrific incident occurred on 28 June in the Lakhipur gram panchayat area of Chopra block in Uttar Dinajpur district, and the video clip quickly went viral, sparking outrage.

Tajimul Islam, known locally as JCB and identified as the assailant, was seen mercilessly whipping the couple, who were dragged into the assembly of people.

As the video circulated on social media, police arrested Tajimul Islam and brought him to the Islampur police station.

Islampur SP Joby Thomas K stated, "We have registered a suo motu case. The incident is from Chopra. Efforts are being made to arrest the accused. Action will be taken according to the law."

The video showed a woman in a yellow kurta and a man in a shirt and trousers surrounded by a group of men. Both are thrown to the ground, screaming and pleading for mercy as they are whipped with a broom.

Tajimul Islam, in a black T-shirt, is seen leading the assault. As per a report by The Indian Express, around 200 people gathered at a local primary school ground for the salishi sabha.

The victims are reportedly too terrified to file a complaint with the police even two days after the incident. Opposition parties have stringently criticised the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC, accusing it of allowing a breakdown of law and order in the state.

Sukanta Majumdar, Minister of State and BJP state president, posted on X, describing the incident as "bulldozer justice" and expressing concern over Mamata Banerjee's governance. He also likened the situation to Taliban rule, criticising the administration and police for their absence.

BJP national president Jagat Prakash Nadda also condemned the video on X, likening the brutality to that seen in theocracies, and criticised TMC cadres and MLAs for justifying the act.

CPM’s Md Salim similarly condemned the incident, criticising the TMC for allowing such kangaroo court practices.

In response, TMC district president Kanaiyalal Agarwal acknowledged the extramarital affair but did not support Tajimul's actions, indicating that both the police and the party would investigate.

Meanwhile, a comment from TMC MLA of Chopra, Hamidul Rahaman created further outrage as he said, "In our Muslim Rashtra there are certain rules, punishments... seems there has been excess in this case. We are talking to locals about it."

West Bengal BJP objected to this statement and asked, "Has TMC declared West Bengal to be a Muslim Rashtra wherein the rule of Sharia will be applied?"