Bengal Woman Attacked by Tajmul Alias ‘JCB’ on Street; Trinamool MLA Comments on ‘Muslim Rashtra’

A video showing a brutal attack on a couple in West Bengal has sparked outrage against the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). The man seen in the video, identified as Tajmul alias “JCB,” is allegedly a local TMC leader from Chopra in Uttar Dinajpur district. The attack reportedly followed a decision by a kangaroo court, according to PTI. Tajmul was seen beating the couple with bamboo sticks.

The authenticity of the video has not been independently verified by HT.

The West Bengal Police registered a case on Sunday and arrested Tajmul. However, Chopra MLA Hamidul Rahaman described the woman’s actions as “unsocial” and denied any TMC connection with Tajmul. Rahaman stated that it was a village issue, unrelated to the party.

“We condemn the incident, but the woman also did wrong. She left her family and became an evil beast. There are codes and justice in a Muslim rashtra. However, we agree that the incident was extreme. Legal action will be taken,” Rahaman told reporters.

The Opposition, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, and CPI(M), criticized the Mamata Banerjee government for the incident. The TMC assured that the matter would be investigated.

Union minister and Bengal BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar expressed concern over Rahaman’s comments about a “Muslim Rashtra” and punishments under certain rules. “Is TMC declaring West Bengal a state where Sharia law will be applied?” Majumdar posted on X.

What Bengal Police Said

Islampur Police district issued a statement saying efforts were being made to spread misinformation about the incident. The police promptly identified and arrested the person who assaulted the woman. The victim couple has been provided with police security.

Islampur Police superintendent Joby Thomas K said the police registered a case after verifying the video clip on social media. The video showed the accused beating the woman, pulling her by the hair, and kicking her, while a large crowd watched. The man was also beaten with sticks.

Opposition’s Reaction

BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya shared the video on X, criticizing Mamata Banerjee’s rule. He claimed that similar incidents occur in every village of West Bengal and called Banerjee a “curse for women.” He questioned whether Banerjee would act against the attacker or defend him like she did with Sheikh Shahjahan, a TMC functionary accused of sexual abuse and land grab.

CPI(M) state secretary Mohammed Salim also criticized the government, calling it “bulldozer justice” under Banerjee’s rule. He shared a video showing police and the accused entering Islampur police station, claiming the sentry guard was about to salute.

State Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury condemned the attack, calling it barbaric and deplorable. He said such incidents tarnish West Bengal’s reputation.

TMC’s Response

TMC district president Kaniyalal Agarwal attributed the incident to the couple’s alleged illicit relationship, which angered the villagers. He said the party would investigate the matter. TMC spokesperson Shantanu Sen condemned the incident but noted that such kangaroo courts were also common during the Left Front regime.