A disturbing incident from Kharagpur in West Bengal has triggered widespread outrage after a video showing a Trinamool Congress (TMC) woman leader, Baby Kole, physically assaulting a former senior CPM leader, Anil Das, went viral. The shocking attack took place in broad daylight near Kharida More, and has once again reignited debate around political violence in the state.

The 66-year-old Anil Das, once a prominent face in the local Communist Party of India (Marxist) unit, was allegedly targeted and humiliated in public by Baby Kole and her associates. The video of the incident, which lasts for around 42 seconds, shows Das with his face smeared with black ink, being dragged and beaten by Kole while a large number of bystanders watch silently, too scared to intervene.

What Happened in Kharagpur?

According to reports and eyewitness accounts, Anil Das was riding his scooter when he was allegedly stopped and attacked by Baby Kole and her group. To escape the violent assault, Das sought shelter in a nearby paint shop, but Kole and her followers attempted to drag him out and continued the beating inside the shop premises.

As per Anil Das’s statement to the media, he had been supporting a local family that was allegedly harassed by Baby Kole, and this confrontation seemed to be the fallout of ongoing political tension in the area. Das claimed that the attack was premeditated and that the assailants had laid in wait for him.

“The leader there, Baby Kole, has been committing one wrongdoing after another. When I passed by, they were already waiting. They threw me on the road, beat me, took ₹3,000 and my mobile. They even called for a knife. I ran into a shop to save myself. They could have killed me today,” said Das.

Bystanders Silenced by Fear

In a deeply troubling reflection of political fear and intimidation, the video shows that at least 14 people passed by and over 20 others stood watching the assault, but none came forward to intervene. When asked, locals admitted that fear of retaliation by Baby Kole’s gang and concerns over police harassment kept them from acting.

This reveals a climate of fear and helplessness among common citizens in certain politically volatile areas of West Bengal, where party-backed muscle power often overshadows rule of law.

Allegations of Theft and Attempted Murder

Alongside the physical beating and public humiliation, Anil Das alleged that Kole and her group tried to steal his ₹3,000 in cash and mobile phone. He further stated that one of the attackers even called for a knife, which led him to fear for his life and run for safety. Local shopkeepers finally intervened and rescued Das, preventing further harm.

The entire sequence, captured on video and circulated widely on social media platforms, has led to a firestorm of criticism directed at the TMC and its leadership.

TMC Reacts: Show-Cause Notice Issued

Amid massive public outrage, the Trinamool Congress has officially issued a show-cause notice to Baby Kole, seeking an explanation for her actions. Party sources say that disciplinary proceedings could be initiated if her response is deemed unsatisfactory.

The move appears to be a damage-control exercise by the ruling party in West Bengal, as opposition parties and civil society organisations have slammed the incident as a gross misuse of political power.

Police Action and Counter Allegations

Following the viral video, a formal police case has been registered against Baby Kole. However, in a dramatic twist, a counter-case has also been filed against Anil Das, accusing him of molestation, raising questions over whether this could be an attempt to dilute the charges or shift blame.

This counter-allegation has further polarized public opinion, with many suggesting that the filing of the molestation charge might be politically motivated and intended to neutralize criticism against the TMC.

Political Tensions Rising

The incident in Kharagpur is emblematic of the broader political violence and culture of vendetta that has been a recurring theme in Bengal’s politics for decades. Clashes between CPM, TMC, and BJP supporters, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions, have been common, often resulting in fatalities, injuries, and property destruction.

The return of political thuggery, especially involving female leaders in active roles in such violence, reflects a worrying trend in ground-level party dynamics, where ideology takes a backseat to brute force and intimidation tactics.

Opposition and Public React Strongly

Leaders from the CPM, BJP, and Congress have all condemned the attack and called it a shameful reflection of lawlessness under TMC governance. Many have demanded immediate arrest of Baby Kole and an independent investigation into the entire sequence of events.

On social media, hashtags like #JusticeForAnilDas, #TMCgoondaism, and #WestBengalViolence have started trending, with citizens, activists, and political commentators sharing the video and demanding accountability.

A Crisis of Political Accountability

This incident has once again brought into focus the state of political accountability in West Bengal, where grassroots leaders often function unchecked. While top leadership distances itself from such acts, critics argue that the support these leaders receive on ground emboldens them to carry out such acts brazenly.

Unless the rule of law is upheld consistently and impartially, incidents like the assault on Anil Das will only erode public trust in democratic processes and strengthen the perception that power, not justice, prevails.

Final Thoughts

The assault on Anil Das by TMC leader Baby Kole, now facing a show-cause notice, is more than just a local political scuffle—it is a reflection of the deep-rooted political violence, fear, and impunity that continues to plague regions of Bengal. As investigations unfold and political responses surface, the hope remains that justice will be served, not just to the victim in this case, but as a message against unchecked political aggression across party lines.

Whether this becomes a turning point for introspection within the TMC or simply another addition to a long list of political clashes will depend on how the administration, judiciary, and society respond in the coming days.

The Upcoming IPOs in this week and coming weeks are Anthem Biosciences, Chemkart India, Meta Infotech, Happy Square Outsourcing Services, Cryogenic OGS, Crizac, .

The Current active IPO are Silky Overseas, Vandan Foods, Pushpa Jewellers, Cedaar Textile, Marc Loire Fashions, Neetu Yoshi, Adcounty Media India.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.

Join our Trading with CA Abhay Telegram Channel for regular Stock Market Trading and Investment Calls by CA Abhay Varn - SEBI Registered Research Analyst.