In a shocking incident, Trinamool Congress (TMC) activists in West Bengal’s West Midnapore district allegedly assaulted a woman and compelled her to walk around the village wearing a garland of shoes. The woman, in her thirties, was shamed for purportedly protesting against the party during the May 14 panchayat elections.
Although the district party leaders intervened and promised to take action against those found guilty, the local workers who assaulted her remained unapologetic. Instead, they threatened to “punish” anyone who acted against the party.
“She had insulted the party leaders and we will not spare if anyone dares to do such a thing,” said a Trinamool activist.
The woman is the wife of a former Trinamool Congress member of the Kankabati gram panchayat. She had protested against booth capturing in Bagdubi village by Trinamool activists on the polling day.
She said, “It made them think that I was supporting the independent candidate”. Sikha Paria, an independent candidate, won a panchayat seat in the area.
The woman said that the irate Trinamool activists called her to the party office in the village and abused her. They then forced her to wear a garland of shoes and walk around the village. They also hit her and made her do sit-ups holding her ears.
According to Hindustan Times, the incident took place in the presence of the booth president of the area, Asish Patra. But, he asserted that he was not a witness to the incident.
Scared, the woman has not yet filed a complaint with the police. District BJP president Samit Das has extended support in taking legal action against the accused.
Even the villagers were too scared to protest. The incident happened on Friday afternoon and came to light on Saturday. The Trinamool Congress drew flack on social media for its unjust treatment of a woman.
Ajit Maity, president of West Midnapore district TMC committee has sought a detailed report from local leadership. “We are looking into the matter and we will not spare the offenders,” he said.
Both the BJP and the Congress criticised the incident saying the TMC activists had crossed all the limits.
District Congress leader Anil Sikaria called the act shameful. Arup Das, a BJP leader in Midnapore, said that the administration should take strong steps against those who humiliated the woman.