BHAGWANPUR (EAST MIDNAPORE): A cultural programme at a private school in East Midnapore’s Bhagwanpur descended into chaos on Saturday night after renowned Kolkata-based playback singer Lagnajita Chakraborty was allegedly heckled and physically harassed for performing a devotional song. The incident has sparked a major political controversy, with police arresting the school owner.
A departmental enquiry has been ordered against the officer-in-charge of the local police station. Lagnajita, a prominent name in the Bengali music industry, had been invited to perform at the annual function of a private school. According to the formal complaint lodged by the artist, trouble began when she started singing ‘Joy Maa’, a popular track from the film Devi Chowdhurani. Witnesses claimed that in the middle of the performance, the school’s owner, identified as Mehebub Mallick, interrupted her. Lagnajita alleged in her written statement that Mallick used derogatory language and ordered her to stop the song. “When I began the ‘Joy Maa’ song, the owner, Mehebub Mallick, verbally abused me, saying, ‘Enough of this… now sing something secular.’ It wasn’t just verbal; I was subjected to physical harassment as well during the commotion,” the singer’s complaint stated. Following the alleged insult and physical intimidation, Lagnajita and her band members walked off the stage and left the venue. They proceeded directly to Bhagwanpur Police Station to record their statements. The district administration has taken a serious view of the matter. Speaking to the media, East Midnapore’s Acting Superintendent of Police, Mitun Kumar De, confirmed that an FIR has been registered. The owner has been arrested and a departmental probe has been ordered against the local OC. “The accused is in custody. We are committed to ensuring he is brought to justice,” De said. He added that the police are investigating whether there were any procedural lapses by local officers and have assured the singer of full cooperation and security.
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