A pregnant Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporter in West Bengal's Cooch Behar district was allegedly kicked in the stomach during an assault on her home, an attack her mother claims was carried out by members of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). The incident, which took place in Dinhata, has been sharply condemned by the opposition BJP.
Jayanti Barman, the mother, alleges her eight-month-pregnant daughter, Purabi Barman, was attacked after she intervened to protect her when associates of the local Trinamool head forced their way into their home.
"They attacked our home. When the goons tried to attack me my daughter came to save me. They kicked her in the stomach, threw her on the ground. She became restless with the pain," Jayanti told reporters.
She further claimed the men proceeded to vandalise the house and stole ₹1 lakh the family had saved for Purabi’s delivery. The attackers also allegedly prevented the family from getting immediate medical help.
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"They stopped the ambulance at the market and did not allow it to come to our home. When the police arrived, they took us to the hospital," she said.
According to the Bharatiya Janata Party, Purabi Barman's condition is serious. The party has since accused the ruling TMC of being "anti-women", stating on X, "This is the same party that uses rape as a tool to stay in power...a party that has institutionalised sexual violence."
Bishu Dhar, a local Trinamool leader, acknowledged the vandalism but denied his party's involvement. Instead, he claimed the public attacked the family due to a political disagreement.
"People are pissed off at Suvendu Adhikari because he is abusing Mamata Banerjee who has done so many things for the poor. So these things will happen. These small leaders will be attacked," he said.
Dhar also warned BJP panchayat members to "be alert", stating, "These leaders are looting money in the name of doing politics. They have to face the consequences."
Earlier this week, Suvendu Adhikari's convoy was attacked in Cooch Behar during a protest, which the BJP had also blamed on the Trinamool. The ruling party, however, dismissed those charges as "well-scripted drama".
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