A video showing a lawyer and Trinamool Congress (TMC) worker, Tulika Khatoon, being pelted with raw eggs outside the Panskura police station in West Bengal’s Purba Medinipur district has sparked a political controversy, with conflicting claims emerging over the motive behind the incident.
While some social media posts claimed Khatoon was targeted because she is a Muslim woman, others alleged the protest was linked to her association with the TMC and the arrest of party leader Sujit Ray.
Incident Took Place During Protest Outside Police Station
The incident occurred on June 20, after the arrest of TMC leader Sujit Ray in connection with allegations that he and another accused had coerced a woman into filing a false gang rape complaint in 2021 against a man named Afzal Shah.
As Sujit Ray was brought to court, a crowd gathered outside the Panskura police station, shouting slogans against him. During the protest, Tulika Khatoon, who was present at the spot, was also targeted by protesters who allegedly shouted “chor, chor” (thief, thief) and threw raw eggs at her.
Police intervened and brought the situation under control.
Tulika Khatoon Denies Political Purpose for Visit
Speaking after the incident, Khatoon said she had gone to the police station for personal work and not in connection with any political activity.
Despite the confrontation, police prevented the situation from escalating further.
Conflicting Claims Over Motive
The incident has generated competing narratives online.
Some social media users alleged that Khatoon was targeted because she is a Muslim woman and called for strict action if the attack was motivated by religious identity.
Authorities have not stated that the incident was a hate crime, and the exact motive remains unverified.
Background of the Case
The protest followed the arrest of Sujit Ray over allegations connected to a 2021 gang rape case. According to the complaint, a woman later alleged that she had been forced at gunpoint to file a false gang rape case against Afzal Shah.
Based on her subsequent complaint, police arrested Sujit Ray, while another accused is reportedly absconding.
Afzal Shah has also accused Ray of multiple offences, including intimidation, extortion, filing false criminal cases, corruption and misuse of political influence. These allegations are part of the ongoing investigation and have not yet been proven in court.
