Flogged for ‘Falling in Love’: West Bengal Woman Seeks Freedom to Live on Her Own Terms

Historical Context: In India, societal norms and traditional values often dictate personal relationships, especially in rural areas. The concept of “salishi sabhas” or kangaroo courts has historical roots in local governance, where community elders resolve disputes. However, these informal courts sometimes enforce regressive and punitive measures, particularly against women. The incident in Uttar Dinajpur, West Bengal, highlights the ongoing struggle between traditional practices and modern legal frameworks.

Article: “Can you plan and fall in love?” This rhetorical question underscores the plight of a 38-year-old woman from Uttar Dinajpur, West Bengal, who was publicly flogged for falling in love. The incident, which involved a Trinamool Congress (TMC) functionary, has sparked widespread outrage and brought attention to the oppressive practices still prevalent in some rural areas.

The woman, who is married with two children, fell in love with another man five years ago. Initially, their relationship was kept secret. However, when her husband discovered the affair, he asked her to leave their home. On June 27, she moved in with her lover, a 35-year-old married man. This act defied the village’s conservative norms, leading to severe repercussions.

On June 28, a “salishi sabha” or kangaroo court was convened. TMC’s Tajimul Islam, also known as JCB, led the assault. Clad in a black T-shirt and wielding a weapon, Islam flogged the couple in front of a large crowd. The woman and her lover were beaten mercilessly, begging for mercy as they writhed in pain. The incident occurred near the woman’s home and was captured on video, which later went viral.

The video prompted the police to file an attempted murder charge against Islam, who was arrested and is now in police custody. He faces additional charges of molestation and assault. Despite the trauma, the woman remains resolute. “I am fine now. This is my home, and I will not go back,” she said, referring to her lover’s house. She expressed a desire to live life on her own terms, despite societal backlash.

The incident has become a political flashpoint in West Bengal, prompting the administration to increase police patrolling in rural areas and monitor salishi sabhas more closely. A senior official confirmed these measures to The Indian Express.

Witnesses to the flogging expressed their helplessness. A woman in her 40s said, “I wanted to stop the mob but you can’t just challenge the system.” Another villager remarked that family disputes are usually resolved internally, and the police are only involved in more significant matters.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• A 38-year-old woman in Uttar Dinajpur, West Bengal, was publicly flogged for falling in love with another man.
• The incident involved a Trinamool Congress functionary, Tajimul Islam, who led the assault during a “salishi sabha” or kangaroo court.
• The woman, married with two children, moved in with her lover after her husband discovered the affair.
• The flogging was captured on video, which went viral, leading to widespread outrage and police action.
• Islam was arrested and faces charges of attempted murder, molestation, and assault.
• The woman remains determined to live life on her own terms despite societal norms.
• The incident has prompted increased police patrolling and monitoring of salishi sabhas in rural areas.
• Witnesses expressed their inability to intervene due to societal pressures and traditional practices.