However, Coochbehar district police said in a press release that the incident happened because of a grudge within the woman’s family. “It has come to our attention that false rumours are being spread regarding an incident involving a Muslim woman in Coochbehar, West Bengal. It is being falsely reported that the woman was stripped and beaten for supporting a political party. This misinformation is being used to give communal and political colours to a family dispute for vested interests,” it said.
The police added that three women involved have been arrested, the victim’s mother and son had provided video statements saying the incident was “purely over a family fight among women over grass cutting,” and that no men were involved.
Adhikari on Friday said he has written to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), National Commission for Women (NCW) and National Commission for Minorities (NCM) about the incident, urging them to investigate the incident that happened on June 25.
In the letter, he said, “I request you kindly to send your investigation team to the spot and enquire into the matter. I am sending the copy of complaint and photograph along with video footage of the victim for your necessary action.”
The police press release said that a photograph of the victim was secretly taken by the brother-in-law of the victim, Safikul Mia, “which has fueled these false rumors”. “His confessional video statement has been recorded, and he has (also) been arrested. His phone has been seized for forensic examination,” it said.
The press release of the Coochbehar district read, “The actual incident occurred on the afternoon of June 25, 2024. The victim, along with other local villagers, was at the bank of the Mansai River to graze goats and cut grass for feeding. A quarrel broke out over a previous grudge between the victim and four other women from the same village. During this altercation, the victim’s clothes were torn. A case was promptly registered at Ghoksadanga Police Station based on the victim’s father’s complaint. Within 24 hours, three of the named accused were arrested.”
In his letter, Suvendu Adhikari had written, “One Hossainara Begum, Vice President, BJP Minority Morcha…has been brutally attacked, she was dragged by her hair and subjected to severe physical assault and undressing in broad daylight by TMC goons on 25th June, 2024. She has been admitted to the hospital and her condition is alarming.” He added that this is one of “many examples” of post poll violence in West Bengal, where “minority ladies are also not getting away from physical assault from the ruling TMC hooligans,” saying that the “brutal incident has shocked the Muslim community”.