A controversy has surfaced in Jalpaiguri following allegations by a school headmistress against a local leader of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The headmistress has accused the leader of forcing her to perform sit-ups while holding her ears — an act widely regarded as a form of humiliation and corporal punishment — during an incident that allegedly took place in January 2025.
The complainant, Sutapa Das, headmistress of Suniti Bala Sadar Girls’ High School, recently approached the Kotwali Police Station and lodged a formal complaint against Saikat Chatterjee, the accused TMC leader. She has also appealed to the Chief Minister, seeking justice in the matter.
According to Das, the incident occurred on January 4, 2025, when Chatterjee — then Vice-Chairman of the Jalpaiguri Municipality and President of the school’s Managing Committee — allegedly pressured the school authorities to admit additional students, including on the basis of monetary exchange. She claimed that upon refusing to comply, she was verbally abused and coerced into performing the humiliating act.
“I was completely helpless and mentally distressed. To protect the school’s reputation, I did not disclose the matter at that time,” Das stated. She further alleged that she had faced threats following the incident and had attempted to seek help by emailing the Superintendent of Police and informing the School Education Department, but no action was taken.
The matter first came into public view on November 10, 2025, when Suvendu Adhikari, then Leader of the Opposition and current Chief Minister, shared CCTV footage on social media. The video purportedly showed a woman performing sit-ups while holding her ears in the presence of two men. Adhikari identified the woman as Sutapa Das and alleged that the act was carried out under Chatterjee’s direction.
Das has now renewed her appeal for justice, expressing hope in the current administration. “Today, he holds the offices of Chief Minister and Minister of Police. We have faith that justice will finally be delivered,” she said after filing her complaint.
However, Chatterjee has strongly denied the allegations, calling them “false” and “motivated.” Questioning the delay in filing the complaint, he said, “Why did she wait 18 months to approach the police? These allegations are baseless and driven by vendetta. I will prove my innocence in court.” He also leveled counter-allegations, accusing Das of involvement in corruption.
The incident, though reportedly occurring in early 2025, only gained traction months later, leading to political speculation at the time. Some had alleged that the issue was deliberately highlighted to tarnish Chatterjee’s image after he assumed office as Chairman of the Jalpaiguri Municipality.
As of now, no official statement has been issued by the police regarding the complaint. The case is likely to draw further political and administrative attention in the coming days.
Also read: FIR against Mamata over religious remarks
Follow us
