Two arrested in Howrah after civic volunteer tied, slapped over anti-Mamata remarks

Two individuals have been arrested after a civic volunteer was publicly humiliated in Howrah’s Basantpur area for allegedly making derogatory comments about Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, sparked political controversy after a video of the assault went viral on social media.

In the video, volunteer Sridhar Chakraborty is seen being tied with a rope, slapped, and forced to do sit-ups while holding his ears. Bystanders were heard accusing him of abusing ‘Didi’ and her party. The mob also alleged he was involved in theft. Following the video’s circulation, Howrah Rural Police launched a probe and arrested two people during overnight raids.

Superintendent of Police Subimal Pal confirmed that an investigation into the viral video is underway. The civic volunteer later stated on camera that he had made the remarks under the influence of alcohol and claimed he was provoked by a local BJP leader known as ‘Lalu Da’, identified as a mandal president.

The politically sensitive nature of the case has raised concerns about mob justice and political misuse at the grassroots level, with both law enforcement and political groups closely monitoring developments.