A local Trinamool leader in Malda has been accused of assaulting a man and a woman for allegedly having an extramarital affair.
Trinamool leader Anarul Haque has fled the village in Ratua-II block of the district. The police are looking for him. District TMC leaders, however, claimed that the person was not associated with the party.
Sources said that the man was found at the woman’s house late Tuesday evening. Some locals dragged them outside and accusedthem of having an extramarital affair.
Soon, Anarul stepped in. He, along with some associates, tied the duo with ropes and started beating them.
After some time, a few locals intervened and rescued the duo. A team from the Pukhuria police station arrived at the spot but the villagers told them that the issue had been “settled.”
On Wednesday, a video that was shot during the assault went viral on social media. Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari posted the video on his X handle slamming the state’s ruling party.
“Chopra, Ariadaha, Cooch Behar, the list grows...TMC leaders beating up women with bamboo stick who grimace in pain have become a common sight in WB.
“This time it’s Ratua, Malda district. Last night TMC leader Md. Anarul Haque could be seen beating up a woman, whose hands were tied behind her back.
“Why do the TMC Leaders feel that they have the privilege to beat up women at whim?” posted Suvendu.
Wednesday morning, the police reached the village again and took the duo to a local hospital for treatment.
“Both of them have been provided with necessary treatment. We are in search of the accused persons who have fled the village. They would be arrested soon,” said a police officer.
The man who was assaulted said he had gone to the woman’s house on some errand. “Suddenly, some people came and caught hold of us. We were then tied with ropes and beaten up for no reason,” he said.
Abdur Rahim Boxi, the district TMC president, said Anarul is not associated with the party. “So far we know, he is a garment trader and has no connection with the TMC...,” he said.
