"Enough of Jago Maa, Sing Something Secular": Singer Harassed on Stage in Bengal, Man Arrested

New Delhi: West Bengal police have arrested a man after popular Bengali singer Lagnajita Chakraborty alleged that he abused and tried to assault her during a live performance. The incident took place at a cultural event at a private school in Bhagwanpur, East Midnapore, on Saturday evening. 

Chakraborty, known for hit songs like 'Basanto Eshe Geche', was performing the devotional track "Jago Maa" when the trouble began. She told police that the accused, Mehboob Mallik, got up on the stage, shouted at her and tried to physically intimidate her in front of the audience.

Why did the man object to the song?

According to the singer’s written complaint, Mallik repeatedly demanded that she stop singing the devotional number and perform a "secular" song instead. He allegedly shouted words to the effect of: "Onek Jago Maa hoyeche, ebar kichu secular gaa"  meaning "Enough of Jago Maa, now sing something secular." 

Chakraborty said Mallik's behaviour upset her and her band members. She also claimed he used abusive language and made threats, and that he tried to physically assault her before others intervened. 

The singer also alleged that the officer in charge of the Bhagwanpur police station refused to file a case.

What did police do?

According to NDTV, senior police officer Mitun Dey said, Mallik was the main organiser of the event and the owner of the school.

Police confirmed that an FIR has been registered and Mallik has been taken into custody. Senior officers said they are investigating the case and examining footage from the event to establish the facts.

"A departmental inquiry has been initiated against Bhagawanpur police station's officer-in-charge and another officer. We will take action against them for their negligence," Mitun Dey said.

Has the dispute taken on broader meaning?

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleged that Mallik is a member of the ruling Trinamool Congress.

BJP leader Shankudeb Panda said, "West Bengal is in the hand of Jihadis. They are directing the singer as to which song she should sing. It was an anti-Hindu approach. When she (Lagnajita Chakraborty) had gone to the police station, (Chief Minister) Mamata Banerjee's police refused to lodge a police complaint."

What’s next?

Police said the probe is ongoing. They will question witnesses and review video recordings from the event. The singer and her team have been assured of security and support as investigations continue.