Kolkata: The furore over public flogging of a woman, allegedly by a local Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader, in Uttar Dinajpur district’s Chopra, snowballed into a major issue on Monday after TMC MLA Hamidul Rehman justified the inhuman ‘punishment’ in what he dubbed as ‘Muslim Rashtra’.
A viral video showed a woman and a man being thrashed for their ‘illicit relationship’.
The TMC legislator tried to defend the Taliban-style attack claimed, saying that the woman was indulging in unsocial activities in the absence of her husband.
“A meeting was held by the villagers over her activities and a collective decision was made. Yes, they have done wrong to a certain extent. We accept it. We are looking into the matter. The woman or her husband has not complained in the matter,” Hamidul said.
Hamidul claimed that Chopra constitutes ‘Muslim Rashtra’.
“In our Muslim rashtra, there are certain rules of conduct and punishment… But it had become little extreme this time. That is why we are now reprimanding the villagers,” the TMC MLA stated.
Tajemul, the culprit, has been arrested, and TMC has promised exemplary punishment.
The BJP and CPI(M) alleged that crimes against women are rampant in a state in a state ruled by a woman chief minister, claiming that the assailant is a local strongman who has links with the Trinamool and is known to deliver ‘instant justice’ for local disputes.
Governor CV Ananda Bose has sought a report from the state government.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the state’s police chief and Chief Secretary to submit a detailed report within a week.
Accusing the state of not learning any lessons from such incidents in the past, NHRC said the report should include the status of police investigation in the matter, health status of the victims and medical treatment if any, provided to them.
The commission said it will send its team for an on-spot inquiry.
“The allegations of a love affair between the victim couple were discussed in an open meeting (Panchayat) by the annoyed villagers. Then, the miscreants started beating the duo. Reportedly, the main perpetrator is alleged to be associated with the political party in power in West Bengal and could be seen in the viral video, severely beating up the couple surrounded by a gathering of people, as spectators,” NHRC said in a statement, quoting media reports.
