A Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader named Mehboob Malik was arrested after he allegedly harassed well-known West Bengal-based singer Lagnajita Chakraborty in the middle of her live performance at a private school in East Midnapore’s Bhagwanpur area. The incident occurred on Saturday, 20th December, during a cultural programme held at South Point Public School, located in the Bhagabanpur region.

According to details shared, the programme began smoothly around 7 pm, with students, teachers, and guests in attendance. The atmosphere remained calm until Chakraborty began performing a Hindu religious song titled “Jago Maa” from the film Devi Chowdhurani. At this point, Mehboob Malik reportedly lost his temper. Malik, who was not only the main organiser of the event but also the owner of the private school, went up to the stage during the performance.

Witnesses and the singer herself stated that Malik interrupted the performance and demanded that she stop singing the religious song. He allegedly instructed her to switch to what he described as a “secular song.” The situation escalated when Malik reportedly began shouting at Chakraborty in front of the audience.

Describing the incident, Chakraborty said, “He rushed to the stage when I began singing the religious song, and he attempted to beat me”. She further recalled how he shouted at her and said, “Onek Jago Maa hoyeche, ebar kichu secular gaa (enough of Jago Maa, now sing some secular song)”. The sudden interruption and aggressive behaviour shocked those present at the venue.

In her formal complaint to the police, Chakraborty clearly stated, “He wanted to beat me up.” She also claimed that when she first approached the Bhagwanpur police station to file a complaint, the officer in charge initially refused to register a case against Malik. Only later, after the issue gained attention, did the police register the case and arrest him.

Senior police officer Mitun Dey confirmed Malik’s involvement in the incident. He also addressed concerns about police conduct at the station. Dey stated that an inquiry had been initiated against the officer-in-charge and another officer at the Bhagwanpur police station for negligence in handling the complaint. Emphasising accountability, he said, “We will take action against them.”

Meanwhile, Mehboob Malik’s brother, Masud Mallik, denied the allegations and described the charges as false. Presenting a different version of events, he said, ‘She was singing a religious song from her movie. We asked her to sing a secular song since it was a function of a school. She stopped performing and headed to the police station.’

Chakraborty firmly rejected this claim and expressed her trust in law enforcement. Responding to the denial, she said, “I have faith in the police and I would like them to take this seriously,” underlining her expectation of a fair investigation.

The incident also drew a political response. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stepped in, pointing out that Mehboob Malik is associated with the ruling Trinamool Congress. Reacting strongly, BJP leader Shankudeb Panda said, “West Bengal is in the grip of Jihadis. They are giving direction to the singers about what all they can and cannot sing,” criticising what he described as growing intolerance.

Panda further alleged that when Chakraborty went to file her complaint, Mamata Banerjee’s police initially refused to register it. As of now, the Trinamool Congress has not issued any official reaction to the incident.

Reports related to this incident have appeared in multiple media outlets, including coverage on platforms such as The Indian Express, Hindustan Times, and ABP Ananda, which have documented the arrest, the singer’s complaint, and the police inquiry into the matter.