BJP youth worker among two arrested for assaulting cattle transporters in Bengal

Tension escalated in Durgapur after an incident near the Gammon Bridge under the Coke Oven Police Station area, where members of the BJP youth wing allegedly stopped a pickup van carrying cattle, assaulted the occupants, tied them up and forced them to do sit-ups while holding their ears.

The victims are said to belong to the minority Muslim community.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) district president Narendra Nath Chakraborty filed a written complaint at the Coke Oven Police Station, demanding the arrest of those involved.

On Friday evening, police arrested two persons, including one BJP Yuva Morcha worker. Members of the minority community gathered outside the police station to protest.

Sunil Kumar Chaudhary, Commissioner of Police, Asansol-Durgapur Police Commissionerate, confirmed the incident. He said that members of the minority community were transporting cattle from Asuria market in Bankura district for agricultural purposes when they were stopped and attacked by Parijat Ganguly, Dipak Das, and around 15 others, who are said to be members of the BJP youth wing.

The group reportedly assaulted the victims, damaged the vehicle and took their money.

Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the law and a search is underway for the remaining accused.

The Commissioner said that documents for the cattle transport were valid and there was no evidence of illegal trade. He warned that taking the law into one's own hands would not be tolerated and any actions affecting communal peace would face legal consequences.

He added that all individuals involved, including Parijat Ganguly, will face action under the law.

Authorities also issued a message stating that two individuals from the minority community were detained and beaten while transporting cattle for farming. Two people have been arrested and efforts are ongoing to arrest others.

The statement said that strict action will be taken and that the state will not tolerate any attempt to harm its tradition of communal harmony.

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