BJP alleges Muslim woman was stripped, beaten in West Bengal, NCW takes note

BJP IT Cell Head Amit Malviya identified the woman as Rosonara Khatun. He said she is a member of the party's minority Morcha.

"A Muslim woman was stripped and beaten in West Bengal’s Coochbehar, for supporting the BJP. The incident took place at Ramthenga Market in the Mathabhanga Assembly of Coochbehar district. Rosonara Khatun, a member of the BJP's Minority Morcha, was dragged by her hair and subjected to severe physical assault," Malviya posted on X.

Describing the episode as 'brutal', he said the Muslim community was shocked by the incident.

He said Rosonara Khatun is currently in hospital.

"There is a #Sandeshkhali in every village of Bengal. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice. Concerns over political violence and safety of women under Mamata Banerjee remains a huge concern," the senior BJP leader posted on X drawing a parallel with the Sandeshkhali episode.

The National Commission for Women has demanded a detailed report on the incident.

"The National Commission for Women has taken note of a tweet by Shri Amit Malviya alleging that a woman was stripped naked and brutally assaulted in West Bengal's Coochbehar for supporting a particular political party," NCW posted on X.

"@sharmarekha, Hon’ble Chairperson NCW strongly condemns the incident and has directed the police to invoke relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code in the FIR. The accused must be arrested promptly, and the victim provided free medical treatment. A fair, time-bound investigation is required, with a detailed action taken report to be submitted to the Commission within 3 days," the body wrote.

What happened in Sandeshkhali?

The turmoil in Sandeshkhali, a remote block about 80 kms from Kolkata and a part of the Basirhat sub-division of North 24 Parganas district, broke out first in early January when a team of Enforcement Directorate (ED) reached TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan's residence to quiz him in connection with the ration distribution scam in the state.

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Shahjahan's aides allegedly assaulted and chased the ED officers turning the area into a political hotspot months ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. Shahjahan was later arrested.

Leaving the ruling TMC in trouble, several women from the village came out with brooms and sticks earlier and demanded the arrest of the TMC strongman.

The protesting women have alleged Shahjahan and his aides captured several lands forcefully and sexually harassed them. The TMC later alleged that the entire episode was orchestrated by the BJP.