The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the West Bengal government and the Director General of Police (DGP) following reports of a couple being publicly flogged in Uttar Dinajpur district. The NHRC’s intervention comes in response to a viral video showing the couple being brutally beaten in full public view, allegedly by a group of villagers, led by a person reportedly linked to the ruling party in West Bengal.
The incident occurred in Lakshmipur village, located in the Chopra division of Uttar Dinajpur district, and has since sparked outrage across the state. The NHRC, expressing grave concern over the matter, described the alleged assault as a severe violation of human rights. In its statement, the NHRC noted that the “main perpetrator” seen in the viral video is associated with “the political party in power in West Bengal.”
Viral Video Prompts Action
The video, which has been widely circulated on social media, reportedly shows the couple being violently assaulted with a bamboo stick by a man identified as Tajmul alias ‘JCB’, a local leader allegedly affiliated with the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The couple, surrounded by onlookers, endured the merciless beating, which was reportedly carried out after accusations of a love affair between them were brought up in an open meeting, or panchayat, by enraged villagers.
Tajmul, the alleged perpetrator, was arrested late on Sunday night after the video gained widespread attention. Local police had registered a case earlier that day following the video’s release. However, PTI has clarified that it could not independently verify the authenticity of the video.
NHRC Orders On-the-Spot Inquiry
Given the gravity of the incident, the NHRC has instructed its Director General (Investigation) to immediately form a team headed by a Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP). The team will conduct an on-the-spot fact-finding inquiry into the incident. The NHRC has asked for a comprehensive report to be submitted to the Commission as soon as possible.
In its statement, the Commission said, “The reported cruel and disgraceful act of the miscreants without any fear of law indicates that the state authorities have not learnt any lessons from the shameful incidents that occurred in the past or from the concerns raised by the NHRC.”
Governor and Opposition React
The disturbing incident has not only drawn the attention of human rights bodies but has also triggered a political storm in West Bengal. Governor C V Ananda Bose has sought a report from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on the matter, while opposition leaders, particularly from the BJP, have accused the ruling TMC of enabling lawlessness in the state.
The BJP has compared the incident to “Taliban rule,” accusing the TMC of protecting individuals who commit such heinous acts. BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar condemned the public flogging, demanding immediate and strict action against the perpetrators.
NHRC Notice to West Bengal Authorities
The NHRC’s notice to the Chief Secretary and DGP of West Bengal has called for a detailed report within one week. The report must include the current status of the police investigation, the health condition of the victims, and the medical treatment provided to them, if any. The Commission has also sought to know what measures the state government plans to implement to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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The Commission expressed its disappointment that such incidents continue to occur in West Bengal, despite previous interventions and warnings. In its statement, the NHRC noted that this was not an isolated case. It cited a recent incident in Cooch Behar, where a woman was allegedly stripped naked and beaten in public, and another case in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas district, where women were subjected to sexual abuse and torture by men purportedly linked to a political party.
A Worrying Trend
The NHRC’s statement reflects a broader concern about the deteriorating law and order situation in West Bengal, particularly in cases involving violence against women and politically motivated assaults. The Commission reiterated that it has taken cognisance of multiple incidents in the state where “unruly elements” have taken the law into their own hands, leading to gross violations of human rights.
The NHRC’s latest intervention highlights the need for swift and decisive action to ensure that justice is served in this case and that measures are taken to prevent such acts of violence from recurring in the future.
