Kolkata, Oct. 26 -- In a shocking case of public humiliation and moral policing, a youth, his friend and his father were allegedly assaulted, stripped and forced to walk naked along a street in Sarsuna on Sunday evening.
The incident reportedly stemmed from a dispute over the youth's romantic relationship with a minor girl. Senior Kolkata Police officials confirmed that three members of the girl's family - her parents and maternal uncle - have been arrested in connection with the incident. According to police, the youth and his friend met the girl near Khalpar Math in Sarsuna on Sunday evening. While they were talking, the youth allegedly 'kissed' the girl, which was spotted by a friend of her maternal uncle. He informed the girl's family, who reached the spot shortly after. The girl's father and uncle then allegedly forced the youth and his friend to accompany them to their house.
At the girl's residence, the youth and his friend were allegedly assaulted. The girl's family then forced the youth to call his father, who was also assaulted on arrival. The trio were later allegedly held at gunpoint, forced to strip and made to walk naked for around 50 metres in front of the house.
Police registered an FIR under the BNS for attempt to murder, causing hurt with dangerous weapons, wrongful confinement, defamation, criminal intimidation, kidnapping/abduction for murder or ransom and common intention, besides relevant Arms Act provisions. No firearm has been recovered so far. Police arrested three key suspects - the girl's parents and maternal uncle. Around four other people were reportedly present at the house and are believed to be involved. A manhunt is underway to arrest them, while investigators are examining CCTV footage.
Psychologist Amit Chakraborty said parading people naked was an act of aggression rooted in a male-dominated mindset that treats women as men's property. He said the girl's father appeared to have used the humiliation to vent his anger and teach the trio a lesson, leaving them unable to face society. He described the act as violence and a gross violation of rights.
Sociologist Ruby Sain called the incident a disturbing experience for Bengal, saying such an attempt to torment a lover was rare in the state. Comparing it with honour-related violence reported in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, she said the incident should be dealt with sternly.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.