TMC leader alleges sexually harassment; 4 nabbed in Chapra
The Statesman | 10 July 2025
As political tensions flare across Bengal following the alleged Kasba gang-rape incident, a shocking case of sexual harassment has surfaced from Chapra in Nadia district. A woman leader of the Trinamul Congress has alleged that she was sexually harassed by a village police volunteer, drawing renewed attention to growing concerns about women’s safety — even within the ruling party’s own ranks.
The incident occurred on the night of 4 July, when the TMC leader was walking from her paternal home in the Ranabandh area to her in-laws’ house in Christian Para. As she reached a neighbourhood junction, she was allegedly accosted by village police volunteer Amit Pal, who was reportedly drunk at the time. He made lewd proposals and inappropriate advances, the woman claimed. His associate, Bhola Hathji, also allegedly joined in the harassment. Terrified, the woman ran home and immediately informed the police over the phone.
The next day, the woman visited the local police station and filed a formal complaint. But the ordeal did not end there. That very night, two local men — Bhanjan Das and Jay Pal — along with others, allegedly came to her residence and threatened her with dire consequences unless she withdrew the complaint.
Acting swiftly, police arrested Amit Pal on Tuesday night and terminated his service. His associate Bhola Hathji was also picked up later the same night. Following further investigation, Bhanjan Das and Jay Pal were arrested on charges of intimidation and criminal conspiracy. Police sources said that all four accused were produced before the chief judicial magistrate court in Krishnagar today.