Public flogging: Bengal governor seeks report; BJP slams TMC's 'Taliban rule'

Kolkata: The public flogging of a couple in West Bengal's Uttar Dinajpur district has sparked outrage, with Governor CV Ananda Bose seeking a report from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, while the BJP accused the ruling TMC of "unleashing Taliban rule" in the state.

The man seen in a viral video beating up the couple with a bamboo stick was identified as Tajmul alias 'JCB', purportedly a TMC leader of Chopra area. He was arrested last night.

When produced before a local court, Tajmul was remanded to five days of police custody.

Police registered a case on Sunday after a video clip of the incident, which occurred on Friday, went viral on social media. PTI could not independently verify the video.

The BJP alleged that Tajmul had ties to Chopra MLA Hamidul Islam, who reportedly defended him despite the TMC's condemnation of the incident.

A new video has also emerged, showing Tajmul beating up another couple a few days ago.

Governor Bose, who has had strained relations with the state government over various issues, expressed shock at the incident and described it as "barbarous," according to a Raj Bhavan official.

"He condemned the incident and has requested an immediate report from CM Banerjee," the official told PTI.

BJP women MLAs in West Bengal staged a protest on Monday on the Assembly premises over the assault on the couple and alleged atrocities against women in various parts of the state.

"The appeasement politics of the TMC government has turned the state into a den of anti-social activities. It seems the ruling TMC and its goons have unleashed Taliban rule in the state," BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul said.

The West Bengal police on Monday said malicious efforts are being made from certain quarters to spread misinformation and lend political colour to the incident.

"The fact is, on knowing about the incident, police have promptly identified the culprit and arrested him. A suo motu case has been started into the matter and an investigation is on. The victim has been provided with police security. IC Chopra has been show-caused over the incident," the West Bengal Police posted on X.

Senior TMC leader Shantanu Sen condemned the incident and stated that the state government is taking all necessary actions to address the situation.

"We do not support such incidents. The victims have been provided with security. Anyone else involved will also not be spared," said the TMC spokesperson.

However, remarks by Islam, the local MLA, accusing the couple of "polluting society by engaging in an illicit relationship" triggered an angry reaction from the BJP.

"The couple was allegedly engaged in an illicit relationship, which is why they were flogged. They were socially polluting society through their activities," he said.

"The woman was at fault for getting involved in an illicit relationship despite having a son and husband. Is this not a crime? Is this not an immoral act?" Islam questioned.

Paul slammed the Trinamool Congress MLA, wondering whether the TMC has "imposed Sharia law in the state".

Such comments by an elected representative are not only regressive but will also encourage others to take the law into their own hands, she said.

According to police, the flogging was ordered by a kangaroo court over allegations of an illicit relationship.

Locals allege that Tajmul is notorious for conducting kangaroo courts and extorting money from people.

The incident in Chopra has drawn comparisons to a previous scandal in Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district where TMC leader Sahajahan Sheikh and his associates were accused of sexual abuse and land grabs.