TWO MEN were beaten, tied up and made to squat allegedly by members of a Hindu outfit, accompanied by some BJP workers, in Durgapur on Friday after they were spotted transporting cattle – including cows – police said. Two persons were arrested in connection with the incident, they added.

Citing local residents, police sources said that the two men, who belong to another community, claimed that they were returning from Barjora of Bankura district after “purchasing cows for agricultural purposes.”

However, the BJP claimed that the men were asked to show proper documents regarding the purchase of cows but could not do so. Some BJP workers staged a protest over the incident.

TMC MLA from Pandabeswar, Narendranath Chakraborty, said, “This can’t be allowed in Bengal. We have approached the police and demanded stern action against those who did this.”

In a post on X later in the day, the West Bengal Police wrote, “Two persons belonging to a minority community, while carrying cattle for farming purposes, were detained and severely beaten up in Durgapur by some hooligans… A case has been registered over the incident and two of the miscreants have been arrested. Raids are on to apprehend all those involved…”

The police added, “Nothing and no one will be allowed to dent our state’s tradition of inclusivity and harmony. We always have, and always will, demonstrate zero tolerance for religious bigotry of any kind. Let that message be loud and clear.”