Kolkata businessman beaten up for refusing ₹10,000 Durga Puja donation
What's the story
A businessman in Kolkata was allegedly beaten up by members of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) for refusing to pay a ₹10,000 donation for Durga Puja, according to the police. The victim, Amit Sarkar, who is also a TMC worker, was attacked by the local Ujjwal Sangha club on Gobra Gorosthan Road. Initially, the club had demanded ₹4,000 from Sarkar for his two shops, but later increased it to ₹10,000.
Family attacked
Family members also assaulted
Sarkar's family members, including his father, wife, and brother, were also assaulted when they tried to intervene. He alleged that the attackers used bamboo and iron rods during the assault. "When they came to my house, they first started talking slang to my brother," Sarkar said. "Suddenly, some of them started beating me... We were beaten by bamboo, iron rod, etc."
Police action
Action directed by Mamata Banerjee
Sarkar has filed a complaint at the Tapsia police station in Kolkata. He alleged all the attackers were associated with the local TMC unit. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has been informed about the incident and has directed police to take strict action against those involved. A senior police officer confirmed an investigation is underway based on Sarkar's complaint.
TMC response
TMC leader expresses regret, BJP calls party 'criminals'
TMC leader Debangshu Bhattacharya also expressed regret over the incident and urged police to take strict action. He said, "It's a very unfortunate incident. To avoid such an incident, our Chief Minister started allowance for puja committees." Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sajal Ghosh condemned the incident and called TMC a "party of criminals." Ghosh said these miscreants aren't afraid because they know the police can't take action against them.