Trinamool leader Anubrata Mondal appears before police; NCW seeks report on ‘abusive’ audio

TMC leader Anubrata Mondal comes out of the sub-divisional police office after appearing before the police at Bolpur in Birbhum district, West Bengal on June 5, 2025. | Photo Credit: PTI

Almost a week after an audio conversation between Trinamool Congress leader Anubrata Mondal and Officer-in-Charge of the Bolpur police station went viral, where Mr. Mondal is heard abusing and threatening the police officer using vile language, the Trinamool leader on Thursday (June 5, 2025) appeared before the police.

Mr. Mondal appeared before the Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Bolpur, and recorded his statement. Sources said the Trinamool leader said he was on medication and could not remember using foul language against the police officer. In the audio which went viral, Mr. Mondal can be heard hurling abuses and using objectionable remarks against the police officer’s wife and mother.

Amidst the outrage, the Trinamool Congress directed the Birbhum leader to tender an apology, which he promptly complied with. Mr. Mondal tendered his apology to “Didi’s (Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee) Police”. Political parties in the Opposition, retired police officers and members of the civil society have raised questions on why the police have not taken any action against the Trinamool leader.

While a First Information Report (FIR) was registered against Mr. Mondal under Sections 222 (threatening a public servant), 132 (assault or criminal force used against a public servant), 75 (sexual harassment), and 351 (criminal intimidation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Trinamool leader has not been arrested.

Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari claimed that Mr. Mondal decided to appear before the police only after assurance from Ms. Banerjee that no action would be taken against him. “The Chief Minister has called Anubrata an asset to the party. She has even said the party offered him Rajya Sabha seat which he had denied. There will be no action against him [Anubarata Mondal] and the police officer will be suspended,” Mr. Adhikari said.

CPI(M) State Secretary Md. Salim said while the Officer-in-Charge of the Bolpur police station had been asked to deposit his mobile phone for investigation why the police had not seized the mobile phone of the accused in the case, Mr. Mondal.

NCW concern

In a related development, the National Commission for Women (NCW) has written to West Bengal Director General of Police Rajeev Kumar, pointing out that the remarks by Mr. Mondal were directed at the mother and wife of the police officer. The NCW expressed concern over the remarks and alleged police inaction

“The NCW has sought a report as to what action has been taken by the police. If the wife and mother of the police officer face such a situation then what is the situation for common citizens of the State,” asked Archana Majumdar, a member of NCW. Ms. Majumdar is also a well-known BJP leader in the State.

Political observers say this is not the first time that the Trinamool Congress is defending Mr. Mondal. The party has backed the Birbhum strongman and the Chief Minister had extended full support to him during his 24-month incarceration. Mr. Mondal was arrested in September 2022 and was released from a prison in Delhi in September 2024. The party had accorded him a hero’s welcome when he returned to Birbhum after being granted bail.

“Anubrata Mondal is not only a Trinamool Congress leader but he represents the party’s model of politics and that is the reason the party is defending him,” said Biswanath Chakraborty, professor of Political Science at Kolkata’s Rabindra Bharati University.

Published - June 05, 2025 10:58 pm IST