In a shocking incident from East Midnapore, the co-owner of a private school has been arrested and charged with attempted murder after allegedly assaulting and threatening a renowned singer during a live performance. The Contai police acted swiftly following a complaint, leading to an overnight manhunt and the eventual arrest of the accused.
The On-Stage Assault and Police Action
Accused Mehebub Mallick, a co-owner of the school at Bhagabanpur, allegedly stormed the stage during singer Lagnajita Chakraborty's performance at the institution's annual function on Monday. According to the detailed complaint filed by the artist, the trouble began after she performed 'Joy Maa', a popular devotional song from the film 'Devi Chowdhurani'.
Mallick aggressively approached the singer on stage and, standing uncomfortably close, reportedly told her, "Anek jago Maa hoyeche, ebar secular kichu gaa (Enough of Jago Maa, now sing something secular)". Feeling threatened and insulted, Lagnajita left the stage immediately and lodged a formal complaint with the police.
Responding promptly, the district police conducted overnight raids. Mallick was apprehended from his residence and formally booked under serious sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The charges pressed against him include Section 74 (outraging the modesty of a woman) and Section 109 (attempt to murder).
Court Denies Bail, Orders Police Custody
When Mehebub Mallick was produced before the Contai Sub-divisional Court on Monday, the prosecution strongly opposed any relief. They sought a seven-day police remand to investigate whether there was a deeper provocation or conspiracy behind his sudden violent outburst on stage.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the presiding judge rejected Mallick's bail application. The court instead remanded him in police custody for four days to facilitate a thorough investigation. The police have stated they will seize all video footage from the event and record statements from all witnesses, including Lagnajita Chakraborty.
Police Acknowledge Lapses, Internal Probe Initiated
East Midnapore police superintendent Mithun De addressed the media, calling the incident "unfortunate" and confirming the immediate action taken. He also revealed that a departmental inquiry has been initiated against Bhagwanpur OC Shahenshah Haque based on the singer's feedback about the initial police response.
"We are in touch with the singer. According to what she told us, we thought that the approach of the police station could have been better. A departmental inquiry has been initiated... The incident could have been handled in a better way," De stated.
Political Allegations Debunked
In the aftermath of the arrest, certain political allegations surfaced linking the accused to the ruling Trinamool Congress. However, Trinamool's Bhagwanpur block president Rabin Chandra Mandal categorically debunked these claims. He clarified that Mallick is merely a private school owner and businessman with no official links to the party.
The case has sent ripples through the local community, highlighting issues of safety for performing artists and the accountability of institutions. The police continue their investigation as the accused remains in custody.
