TMC showcauses North Dinajpur MLA Hamidul Rahman over flogging incident

The ruling TMC in West Bengal faced severe criticism on Sunday from the Opposition BJP and CPI(M) after a TMC functionary was caught on tape whipping and assaulting a woman and a man publicly over an alleged extramarital affair at a salishi sabha (kangaroo court). The incident, which occurred in the Lakhipur gram panchayat area of Chopra block in Uttar Dinajpur district on June 28, was widely condemned as reminiscent of Taliban-style justice. Outrage grew as a video clip of the assault surfaced online.

Hamidul Rahman has been given seven days to respond to the show-cause notice. Upon receiving his response, the district president will forward it to the state leadership for further action. An explanation has also been sought for Rahman’s comments following the assault incident. However, when contacted about the letter, Rahman said, “I have not received the letter yet. If I get the party’s letter, I will definitely reply to it.”

The opposition claims that the accused, Tajimul, is “close” to MLA Hamidul Rahman. BJP MLA Shankar Ghosh approached the police, objecting to Rahman’s initial statement regarding the incident. Ghosh alleged that Rahman, in supporting Tajimul, used the phrase “our Muslim state” in his speech.

Hamidul Rahman denied these allegations, expressing regret over the incident. He stated, “What happened was not right at all. I accept that are salishi sabhas held there when there are caste-based issues but it has got nothing to do with me or my party.”