TMC unit forces woman to wear garland of shoes

KOLKATA: A woman in West Bengal’s West Midnapore was allegedly assaulted and forced to walk around the village wearing a garland of shoes by Trinamool Congress members for reportedly protesting against the party during the May 14 panchayat polls.

Even as district party leaders said action will be taken against those responsible, local workers remained unrepentant.

The woman, in her thirties, is the wife of a former TMC member of the Kankabati gram panchayat, and had protested against booth capturing in Bagdubi village allegedly by TMC members, asking them to fight the elections democratically. However, she said “it made them think I was supporting the independent candidate”, Sikha Paria, who went on to win a seat.

Angry TMC members allegedly called her to the party office Friday afternoon and “punished” her by abusing and making her wear a garland of shoes. They also assaulted her and forced her to do sit-ups, she said.

She alleged that Asish Patra, the TMC booth president for the area, was present at the time. Patra denied the incident took place, but a TMC member said “she had insulted party leaders. We will not spare anyone that dares to do such a thing.”

“I have asked for a detailed report. We won’t spare the offenders,” said Ajit Maity, president, TMC West Midnapore district.