'No more Jago Maa, sing secular song': Popular Bengal singer alleges harassment at event, organiser held

Lagnajita Chakraborty gained popularity with the Bengali track Basanto Eshe Geche.

In a clear instance of intolerance spreading into the cultural domain, West Bengal singer Lagnajita Chakraborty, was allegedly harassed for not singing a 'secular' song at her concert on Monday.

The popular Bengali singer also alleged that she was threatened and nearly assaulted by Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mehboob Malik during a performance in East Midnapur's Bhagwanpur.

Confirming the development, a senior police officer, speaking to PTI, said the main accused, Mehbub Mallik, a co-owner of the school where the event was held, was arrested on Sunday based on the singer's written complaint.

As per reports, the event began at 7pm and proceeded smoothly for nearly 45 minutes. Trouble began after she finished the song Jago Maa from the film Debi Chowdhurani. “Suddenly, he (Mehboob Mallik) ran onto the stage and came very close to her [Lagnajita] and tried to hit her. Some of the organisers stopped him and he could not,” reported one publication.

"After rendering several songs, I began singing 'Jago Maa' from the film Devi Chowdhurani. At that point, objections were raised by one of the organisers, Mehbub Mallik, who insisted that only 'secular songs' should be performed," Chakraborty said speaking to PTI.

"I stopped the performance and came down from the stage," she said. Following the incident, Chakraborty lodged a formal complaint at Bhagabanpur police station.

Purba Medinipur SP Mitun Dey said the accused was arrested and legal proceedings have been initiated. "The matter is being taken seriously," he told reporters.

Trinamool Congress spokesperson Aroop Chakraborty termed the incident "condemnable" and asserted that it would be wrong to link the TMC for every incident.