The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly criticized the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) after a controversial statement by Chopra MLA Hamidul Rahaman referring to West Bengal as a “Muslim Rashtra.” The remark came in the wake of a disturbing video showing a couple being brutally assaulted in Uttar Dinajpur district.

The incident, which reportedly took place over the weekend in Chopra, involved a man repeatedly beating a woman with sticks while a crowd watched silently. The man then turned his aggression towards another man lying next to her. The assault followed a decision by a local ‘Salishi Sabha’ (kangaroo court) after the couple was accused of having an illicit relationship.

Chopra MLA Hamidul Rahaman commented on the incident, stating, “In our Muslim Rashtra, there are certain rules, punishments… seems there has been excess in this case. We are talking to locals about it.” This statement has sparked outrage and concern among opposition parties and the public.

Union Minister JP Nadda condemned the incident, calling the video “horrific” and likening it to brutalities seen in theocracies. He accused the TMC government of justifying the act and criticized West Bengal as being unsafe for women under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s rule.

BJP IT Cell Head Amit Malviya alleged that the assailant, identified as Tajemul, also known as JCB in the area, is a close associate of MLA Hamidul Rahaman. He accused the TMC of harboring such individuals who deliver “instant justice” through informal courts.

The TMC, however, distanced itself from the accused. Trinamool district president Kaniyalal Agarwal stated that the incident was due to the couple’s alleged illicit relationship, which angered the villagers. TMC spokesperson Shantanu Sen condemned the incident but noted that such kangaroo courts were common during the Left Front regime as well.

CPM state secretary and former MP Mohammed Salim also criticized the TMC, describing the incident as “summary trial and punishment” by a TMC goon. He highlighted the lack of justice in the region, referencing the unresolved murder of Com. Mansur Alam, allegedly involving the same assailant.

The West Bengal Police have registered a case and arrested the accused after verifying the video. Islampur Police Superintendent Joby Thomas K confirmed that the police are investigating the incident.