A 40-year-old theatre activist has alleged that he was assaulted and beaten by a group of men on a train in North 24 Parganas district after they questioned him about his religious identity. The incident allegedly took place near Shyamnagar railway station in the early hours of July 28. The activist, Subhankar Dassharma, has also claimed that despite reporting the incident to the police through email, he has not received any response.
According to Shubhankar, on July 28, he was returning home by train at around 12 a.m. after participating in a theatre performance when four unidentified men allegedly approached him near Shyamnagar station. He said the men questioned him about his religion after noticing that he was dressed in a black kurta (Punjabi) and pyjamas. Shubhankar alleged that when he declined to disclose his religious identity, the men began dragging and assaulting him. He later recounted the incident in a Facebook post, describing the sequence of events.
“First, they asked me whether I was a Muslim. I replied, ‘What if I am a Muslim?’ I believe that in a free and sovereign country, I am under no obligation to disclose my religious identity to strangers. They then started beating me and repeatedly asked whether I was a Muslim. I refused to give in and told them I was a Muslim. The assault intensified,” he wrote.
Activist Claims Severe Injuries
According to him, the attackers repeatedly punched him in the head, eyes, chest and ears, tore his black kurta, threw him to the ground and allegedly shouted religious slogans during the assault. He further claimed that he briefly lost consciousness before eventually regaining his senses and managing to return home. He remained at home for the next three days without seeking immediate medical attention, as he was alone and had no family members to assist him. However, when his physical condition worsened, he sought treatment at BN Bose Sub-Divisional Hospital in Barrackpore on August 2.
According to Shubhankar, doctors at the hospital found injuries to his eyes, ears and ribs and advised him to consult specialist doctors. He subsequently underwent treatment in the ophthalmology, orthopaedics and ENT departments on August 3 and 4. He claimed that medical examinations revealed an eye injury and a ruptured eardrum.
‘I Was Frightened,’ Says Shubhankar
Speaking to a digital news outlet on Friday, Shubhankar reiterated his allegations. He said the attackers questioned whether he was Hindu or Muslim and asked why he was wearing black traditional attire.
“I asked them, ‘What if I am a Muslim?’ After that, the mob assault began,” he said.
Shubhankar also admitted that he initially chose not to speak publicly about the incident because he feared for his safety.
“I informed a few friends, but I requested them not to publicise the matter. I was frightened. I thought I would try to resolve the issue locally because I have to continue living in the area,” he wrote on Facebook.
Police Yet to Respond to Complaint
The theatre activist has stated that he reported the incident to Noapara Police Station via email, detailing the alleged assault. However, he claims that no action or official response has been received so far. Police have not yet issued an official statement regarding the allegations or confirmed whether an investigation has been initiated. The identity of the alleged attackers also remains unknown.
Colleagues and Social Media Users Demand Investigation
One of his colleagues, Apurba Roy, wrote on social media, “Subhankar is our friend and a theatre activist. Many people write plays, songs, and poems, but Subhankar’s greatest quality is that he stands in solidarity with the just struggles of the people through his theatre. That is why Subhankar is a comrade in our movement. Is it not only natural that the double-engine ruling forces would attack someone who has stood with the people’s struggles? The saffron fascist forces have done what they always do. Our friend and comrade, Subhankar, has been attacked by the saffron forces. He was attacked because he chose to stand with the people. Now, shouldn’t we unite and stand with Subhankar against such attacks by those in power?”
The incident has drawn attention on social media, with several users demanding a thorough investigation into the allegations and appropriate legal action if the claims are substantiated. Manidipa Sen wrote, “I strongly protest and condemn this attack. But I am not surprised, because I refuse to be naive. It is clear that they (BJP’s group) had marked and targeted him. This was not a random incident. I call upon the theatre group Janoganomano and all its friends to unite.”
