12 apprehended in West Bengal linked with ‘sadhus assault’

Twelve individuals apprehended in connection with the assault on three Sadhus in West Bengal’s Purulia were brought to the Raghunathpur Sub-Divisional Court in the district. Purulia Superintendent of Police, Avijit Banerjee, stated that a case has been registered, and 12 arrests have been made, with investigations underway. He clarified the police’s prompt assistance to the Sadhus, repairing their vandalized vehicle and emphasizing that the incident stemmed from a misunderstanding with local girls due to language issues.

The SP recounted the episode, attributing it to miscommunication with three girls. The Sadhus, on their way to Chakna near Kasipur road, encountered the girls heading to a local Kali mandir for pooja. Language barriers led to misunderstandings, causing the girls to believe they were being followed. A public outcry ensued, leading to the Sadhus being taken to Durga Mandir, where their car was vandalized, and they were manhandled. The police intervened upon receiving information about the incident.

A statement from Purulia Police sought to correct the narrative, stating that on January 11, a misunderstanding occurred between three Gangasagar-bound Sadhus and local girls near Kashipur. The girls, alarmed, accused the Sadhus of a kidnapping attempt, prompting locals to manhandle them. The police promptly intervened, rescuing the Sadhus, and 12 arrests were made based on a specific case. The Sadhus were provided with all possible assistance.

Madhur Goswami, one of the Sadhus, recounted the sudden assault by a large mob on their way to Gangasagar, resulting in unconsciousness. Dismissing the girls’ allegations, Goswami stated they came to apologize, and the Sadhus accepted their apology.

BJP MP Jyotirmay Singh Mahato met the assaulted Sadhus, claiming Sheikh Anwar orchestrated the incident due to their saffron attire. He likened it to the Palghar incident in Maharashtra and accused the police of attempting to cover it up.

TMC leader Shashi Panja countered these claims, asserting that the Sadhus were accused of attempting to kidnap three local girls, and BJP in Purulia was misrepresenting the incident. Panja emphasized an ongoing investigation and criticized BJP leaders for distorting the facts.