Kolkata, Dec 22: Popular Bengali singer Lagnajita Chakraborty was allegedly verbally abused and nearly assaulted during a cultural programme in Bhagwanpur, East Medinipur, on Saturday night. The incident occurred at South Point Public School, where the renowned vocalist was performing before a packed audience.

The programme began around 7 p.m. and continued smoothly for nearly 45 minutes until Chakraborty sang the devotional track “Jago Maa” from the film Devi Chaudhurani. Witnesses said Mehboob Mallik, one of the school’s owners and a member of its governing body, interrupted the performance, shouting that she should sing “secular” songs instead. His remarks — “Onek Jago Maa hoyeche, ebar kichu secular gaa” (“Enough of Jago Maa, now sing some secular songs”) — were heard by the audience.

Chakraborty later alleged that Mallik attempted to assault her before being restrained by others present. Distressed, she ended her performance and lodged a complaint at the Bhagwanpur Police Station. In her statement, she identified Mallik as the accused and urged police to collect CCTV footage from the venue.

Following her complaint, police arrested Mallik on charges of harassment and attempted assault.

The incident quickly took on political overtones. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleged that Mallik was linked to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and claimed the singer was targeted for refusing to perform “secular” songs. BJP leader Shankudeb Panda accused the police of initially downplaying the matter, stating that officers first recorded a general diary entry and sought to resolve the issue with an apology rather than registering a formal case.

The episode has drawn sharp reactions across Bengal’s cultural fraternity, with artists and performers condemning the disruption of a live programme and expressing concern over the safety of musicians on stage.
(The article is compiled by Aditi Majhi)