Mamata Banerjee Blames BJP and Media for Maligning Bengal Over Old Mob Assault Video

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP and a section of the media of maligning the state using a two-year-old mob assault incident video. She alleged this was done to damage control for BJP's recent defeat in Bengal. The police have identified and arrested key suspects, including local TMC leader Jayant Singh.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday blamed the BJP and a section of the media for maligning the state over a recent incident of mob assault in Ariadha, North 24 Parganas district.

Speaking to reporters at Kolkata airport, Banerjee explained that the viral video clip of the incident is two years old, dating back to when Arjun Singh was BJP MP of Barrackpore Lok Sabha constituency.

She accused some TV channels of repeatedly airing the old footage at the BJP's behest ahead of Wednesday's by-elections. ''A section of the media and BJP are trying to malign the state as part of their damage control for the defeat that BJP has suffered in Bengal,'' Banerjee remarked.

Following the circulation of the old video showing a girl being assaulted by a mob in Ariadaha, the police initiated a suo motu case, arresting three individuals, including local TMC leader and prime suspect Jayant Singh. Singh, who was previously arrested in 2023 and released on bail under the condition of non-involvement in further illegal activities, now faces additional charges for violating this condition.

Barrackpore Police Commissioner CP Alok Rajoria stated on Wednesday that eight individuals have been identified from the footage, and stringent action will be taken against all those involved.

(With inputs from agencies.)