Is Former West Bengal Minister Jyotipriya Mallick's Attacker Really Mentally Unstable?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Jyotipriya Mallick was attacked outside his home in Kolkata.
- The attacker, Abhishek Das, was released due to mental health issues.
- The incident highlights concerns over political security.
- Mallick sustained minor injuries but is recovering.
- He has faced legal troubles in the past related to corruption.
Kolkata, Nov 3 (NationPress) On Monday, authorities announced the release of a young man who allegedly assaulted former West Bengal Minister Jyotipriya Mallick, attributing his release to his mental instability. The individual is now receiving treatment at a local hospital, as confirmed by officials.
The incident transpired late Sunday evening outside Mallick's residence in Salt Lake, Kolkata, where the Trinamool Congress MLA from the Habra constituency was attacked.
Police sources identified the assailant as Abhishek Das, who is undergoing treatment at NRS Medical College and Hospital due to his mental health issues.
His family, residing in the Habra area of North 24 Parganas district, has been notified about the situation.
Das is accused of striking the former state food minister around 8 p.m. on Sunday, landing a punch that knocked Mallick onto the road. The police apprehended the young man immediately following the incident.
Although Mallick sustained minor injuries to his face, he did not require hospitalization.
This event raised concerns over the security protocols surrounding the residence of a sitting MLA.
In a media statement on Monday, Mallick mentioned, "It appears that the assailant was under the influence. He had been surveilling my residence since noon. As I returned at 8 p.m., he followed me and launched the attack."
Expressing confusion over the attacker's motive, he added, "I cannot fathom why someone from Habra would assault me."
Upon confirming Das's medical condition and given that the former minister chose not to file charges, the police released him on Monday morning.
Earlier this year, Mallick had faced legal issues related to a ration corruption case and was detained by the Enforcement Directorate. After approximately 14 months in custody, he was granted bail on January 15. Despite his arrest, he continued to serve in Mamata Banerjee’s cabinet for a time before being dismissed from his ministerial post.