On Wednesday, the West Bengal Police arrested Budha Mohammad, a co-accused in the assault case of a woman at a Kangaroo court in Chopra, North Dinajpur district. Budha is a close associate of Tejemul, also known as JCB, the prime suspect already in police custody. State police sources revealed that Budha was seen accompanying JCB in the viral video of the incident.
Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress has censured party legislator Hamidul Rahman for initially downplaying the incident after the video went viral. Rahman, the political mentor of JCB, received a personal reprimand from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who instructed him to ensure no further Kangaroo Courts occur within his constituency.
The Trinamool Congress leadership has directed all panchayat heads and local club authorities in Chopra to maintain strict vigilance against similar Kangaroo Courts. Reports indicate that these extrajudicial courts are common in certain cases in Chopra, where those found guilty are often forced to pay financial penalties.
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Governor C.V. Ananda Bose launched a strong critique against the state government and police on Tuesday for failing to prevent such activities. “A virtual bloodbath is going on in West Bengal. I wonder whether there is any police minister in the state at all. Is it not the duty of the police to prevent such events? It seems that all the sinners have vacated hell and gone to West Bengal. People are being beaten up or even killed out of sheer adventure. This cannot continue. The state government should take responsibility,” the Governor stated.
