Did the Kolkata court grant bail to three individuals accused of assaulting vendors during a Gita recital?
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Synopsis
In a recent incident in Kolkata, three individuals were granted bail after being accused of assaulting vendors selling chicken patties during a Gita recital. This case has sparked significant controversy, highlighting issues of religious sentiment and consumer rights. What transpired during the event has raised questions about ethical food sales in religious contexts.
Key Takeaways
- Three individuals granted bail after assaulting vendors.
- Incident occurred at a Gita recital event.
- Accusations of misrepresentation of food products.
- Case highlights the clash between consumer rights and religious sentiments.
- Public outcry and political response from Union Minister.
Kolkata, Dec 11 (NationPress) A local court in the city granted bail on Thursday to three individuals arrested for allegedly attacking two vendors during a Gita recital event on December 7. Soumik Golder, Swarnendu Chakraborty, and Tarun Bhattacharya were released after posting a bond of Rs 1,000 each.
Their attorney informed the court that the accused discovered chicken in the vegetable patties they had ordered. The public prosecutor contended that this incident had offended religious sentiments.
In a separate development, a formal complaint was lodged against one of the assaulted vendors, Sheikh Riyazul, at the Maidan police station, accusing him of selling non-vegetarian patties while claiming they were vegetarian during the event at Brigade Parade Ground.
During the court proceedings, defense lawyers maintained that they had specifically requested vegetarian patties from the vendors. However, upon opening the patties, chicken was discovered inside. They also mentioned that one accused, Soumik Golder, is undergoing treatment for cancer and has lost a leg, urging the court to grant bail to all three.
The public prosecutor countered that the defense was presenting its version of the events. He emphasized that two vendors were assaulted at the Maidan event and that the attack had offended religious sentiments, thus making the offense non-bailable. He opposed bail and requested police custody, yet the judge approved bail for all three accused.
On the same day, Union Minister of State for Education and DoNER Sukanta Majumdar called for the unconditional release of the arrested individuals.
“The issue is not about selling patties; it’s about selling chicken patties while claiming they are vegetable. There’s a significant difference. While I consume chicken, others might not. You cannot force someone to eat chicken through deception. That’s a crime,” he stated.
The Kolkata Police arrested the three men for publicly harassing and assaulting the two vendors selling chicken patties at Brigade Parade Ground during the Gita recital on that Sunday.
The three accused are identified as Soumik Golder (23), Tarun Bhattacharya (51), and Swarnendu Chakraborty (32). Golder and Chakraborty hail from Gobardanga and Ashoknagar in North 24 Parganas, while Bhattacharya is from Uttarpara in Hooghly district. They were apprehended based on complaints filed by the vendors at Maidan police station.
The accused had traveled to Kolkata on December 7 to participate in the 'Panch Lakkho Konthe Gita Path' (Gita chanting by five lakh voices) event at Brigade Parade Ground organized by the Sanatan Sanskriti Sansad, a coalition of monks and spiritual leaders from various monasteries and Hindu institutions.
At the event, vendors Sheikh Riyazul from Arambagh in Hooghly district and Mohammad Salauddin from Topsia in Kolkata were selling food to the large assembly. According to the complaints, some young men began interrogating them, questioning how they could sell chicken patties at a religious gathering. This inquiry escalated into insults and harassment. The vendors were reportedly forced to perform sit-ups while holding their ears and were physically assaulted. A video capturing the harassment became viral on social media. One vendor claimed that food worth approximately Rs 3,000 was destroyed.
Following this incident, both victims lodged separate complaints at the Maidan police station. The police initiated an investigation, reviewed CCTV footage and videos, identified the accused, and proceeded with the arrests.
Point of View
It is imperative to approach this incident with a balanced perspective. While the actions of the accused have raised valid concerns about consumer transparency and respect for religious sentiments, it is also crucial to recognize the complexity of the situation and ensure that all parties involved are treated fairly under the law. This case highlights the ongoing dialogue about food ethics in religious spaces.
NationPress
12/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the charges against the three individuals?
The three individuals were arrested for allegedly assaulting vendors who were selling chicken patties at a Gita recital event.
Why did the incident escalate?
The incident escalated when the accused discovered chicken in the vegetable patties they ordered, leading to questions and subsequent harassment of the vendors.
What was the response from the Union Minister?
Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar demanded the unconditional release of the arrested individuals, emphasizing the distinction between chicken and vegetarian patties.
What happened to the vendors after the incident?
The vendors filed complaints at the Maidan police station, leading to an investigation and the eventual arrest of the three men.
What are the implications of this incident?
This incident raises important questions about consumer rights, food labeling, and respect for religious sentiments during public events.
