School Owner Arrested for Harassing Singer Lagnajita Chakraborty

December 21, 2025

Kolkata-based Bengali singer Lagnajita Chakraborty was allegedly harassed and abused while performing at a cultural programme at a private school in Bhagwanpur, Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal. The incident occurred on Saturday evening when Chakraborty began singing the devotional track Jago Maa, causing heated objections from a school official.

Accused School Owner Arrested

The main accused has been identified as Mehboob Mallik, a co-owner and organizer of the school where the event took place. According to Chakraborty’s written complaint to the Bhagwanpur Police Station, Mallik allegedly climbed onto the stage, used abusive language and attempted to physically assault her while demanding she sing a “secular song” instead.

Senior police officials confirmed that an FIR has been registered, and Mallik was arrested on Sunday following the singer’s complaint.

Singer’s Account of Incident

In her statement, Chakraborty said the programme had been proceeding normally with multiple songs performed smoothly. However, the situation escalated when she began the devotional number, Jago Maa. She claimed that Mallik shouted at her and tried to beat her during the performance, forcing her to halt the concert and leave the stage.

Police Response and Inquiry

Authorities have assured full cooperation with the investigation. East Medinipur’s Acting Superintendent of Police Mitun Kumar De stated that a departmental inquiry has also been ordered against the officer-in-charge and another police official from the local station to examine potential lapses in the initial response.

Political Reactions and Dispute

The incident has triggered wider reactions, with some political leaders linking the accused to a local political party and raising broader concerns over tolerance and artistic freedom. However, the focus of the current proceedings remains centered on the harassment complaint and ensuing legal action.