A tea shop owner in West Bengal’s Paschim Bardhaman district has alleged that he was assaulted by a group of men after allowing Muslim customers to sit and have tea at his shop.
The incident reportedly took place in the Agaro Mile area of Dangal village under Kanksa police station on Sunday, September 13.
The shop owner, Pratap Ghosh, alleged that he had previously received threats over allowing Muslim customers to sit at his tea stall.
Owner Claims Group Attacked Him
Ghosh alleged that around 20 to 25 young men arrived outside his house on Sunday and assaulted him.
According to his complaint, the men allegedly shouted at him before attacking him with slaps, kicks and sticks. Ghosh claimed that he lost consciousness during the assault.
His family also alleged that the tea shop was vandalised during the incident.
Ghosh later submitted a written complaint to Ausgram Police Station regarding the alleged assault and damage to his shop. Police have reportedly begun an investigation.
Ghosh Says He Was Threatened Earlier
Ghosh alleged that he had been threatened two or three times before the incident because Muslim customers were allowed to sit at his shop.
“Before this, I was threatened two to three times for allowing Muslims to sit in my shop. On Sunday, they beat me because I allowed Muslims to sit there. I am a tea shop owner—can I stop someone from sitting in my shop? Everyone comes to my shop for tea, but they object to Muslims coming,” Ghosh alleged.
He further claimed that the alleged attackers threatened to set his shop on fire if Muslim customers continued to visit.
“They threatened me that if Muslims come to my shop again, they will set it on fire. I am afraid for my family. They can attack again at any time,” he said.
Son Alleges Hindu Organisation’s Involvement
Ghosh’s son, Prakash, alleged in a video message posted on Facebook that members of a Hindu organisation were responsible for the attack.
He claimed that the alleged attackers objected to his father allowing Muslim customers to sit at the tea stall.
Human rights activists have also raised questions over whether political or religious groups should have any role in determining who can access a private commercial establishment.
BJP Disputes Allegation
The BJP has denied that the party was responsible for the alleged assault.
A BJP leader claimed that the incident may have been linked to a video allegedly posted by Ghosh that had offended religious sentiments.
The BJP leader, however, said the party did not support or condone violence.
Police are investigating the complaint and the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault and damage to the shop.
