'Muslim rashtra' comment by TMC MLA intensifies row with BJP

Hours after the video of a Trinamool Congress leader Tajmul Haque alias JCB publicly flogging a woman in Chopra in Uttar Dinajpur district of West Bengal went viral, Trinamool Congress MLA Hamidul Rehman justified Tajmul beating the woman, who cries in pain.

- SUPROTIM MUKHERJEE

The video shows a large crowd watching Tajmul hitting the woman and a man with the stick. The attack followed a decision by a kangaroo court.

"In our Muslim rashtra, there are certain rules of conduct and punishment. But it became a little extreme this time. That is why we are now reprimanding the villagers," the MLA said. He added that it was a "village matter" and had nothing to do with the party. We condemn the incident. But the woman also did wrong. She left her husband, son, and daughter and became an evil beast. There is some code and justice according to Muslim rashtra.

However, we do agree that what happened was a bit extreme. Now, legal action will be taken in this case," the Trinamool MLA told reporters.

The MLA's words set off a fierce political row in Bengal and in New Delhi, even as another viral video emerged of similar atrocities on a couple by Tajmul recorded on June 16.