TMC leader Dulal Dey arrested for assaulting BJP's Lakshmi Das in Alipurduar
Synopsis
Two BJP members attacked in separate incidents across West Bengal on the same day — one allegedly by a sitting TMC district chief at a bank service point in Alipurduar, another by assailants in Malda linked to a prior harassment complaint. Both cases have led to arrests, but the incidents add to a long-running record of political violence in the state.
Key Takeaways
Dulal Dey , TMC General Secretary of Alipurduar district, was arrested on 25 May for allegedly assaulting BJP leader Lakshmi Das .
The altercation allegedly began at a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) service point linked to Dey's daughter's bank.
Lakshmi Das is receiving treatment at Alipurduar District Hospital .
In a separate incident, BJP lawyer Kiran Saha was attacked with a sharp weapon in Chanchal, Malda and shifted to Malda Medical College and Hospital .
Saha alleged the attack was in retaliation for his complaint against Habibur Rahman over a prior harassment case.
An accused has been arrested in the Malda case; police say the exact motive is still under investigation.
All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) district General Secretary of Alipurduar, Dulal Dey, was arrested on Monday, 25 May on charges of assaulting Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Lakshmi Das, police confirmed. The arrest followed a written complaint lodged at Kamakhyaguri police station in Kumargram block on Sunday night. Das is currently undergoing treatment at Alipurduar District Hospital.
How the Altercation Unfolded
According to the BJP, Lakshmi Das visited a Customer Service Point associated with Dulal Dey's daughter's bank to complete a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) link. The visit reportedly turned contentious, with an argument breaking out between Das and Dey's daughter. It is alleged that both Dulal Dey and his daughter then physically assaulted Das.
The injured BJP leader was first taken to Kamakhyaguri Rural Hospital before being shifted to Alipurduar District Hospital for further treatment. Police registered the complaint and effected Dey's arrest on Monday.
Separate Attack on BJP Lawyer in Malda
In a separate incident, a BJP worker was attacked with a sharp weapon in Chanchal area of Malda district in north Bengal. The victim, Kiran Saha, is a lawyer by profession at Chanchal Subdistrict Court and an active BJP worker.
According to police, Saha was returning from the market on Monday morning when several assailants allegedly attacked him with sharp weapons. He fell to the ground with injuries, and local residents rushed him to Chanchal Super Speciality Hospital. He was subsequently transferred to Malda Medical College and Hospital.
Victim Cites Previous Animosity
Saha alleged that the attack was linked to an earlier dispute. 'A few months ago, there was an allegation of public harassment of a woman in the area. I protested against that incident. Later, I also filed a written complaint against the accused Habibur Rahman at the police station,' he said. Saha claimed the assault was carried out in retaliation for his earlier activism.
Police, however, stated that the exact motive remains under investigation. An accused has been arrested in connection with the Malda attack as well.
BJP Protests, Police Deployed
In response to the Malda attack, BJP activists blocked the Ashapur state road, staging a protest and burning tyres. A large police contingent was deployed to restore order at the site.
This comes amid a broader pattern of reported political violence in West Bengal, where clashes between TMC and BJP workers have recurred across districts in recent years. Both incidents are currently under active police investigation, and further details are expected as the probe progresses.
Point of View
Raising questions about accountability structures within the TMC. The Malda attack, if the victim's account of retaliatory motive holds, points to a local breakdown where filing a police complaint itself becomes a trigger for violence. Neither the ruling party nor the opposition has a clean record on political violence in Bengal; the real test is whether these arrests translate into prosecutions or quietly fade, as many before them have.
NationPress
31 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Dulal Dey arrested in Alipurduar?
Dulal Dey, the TMC General Secretary of Alipurduar district, was arrested on 25 May 2025 on charges of assaulting BJP leader Lakshmi Das. The arrest followed a written complaint filed at Kamakhyaguri police station after an alleged altercation at a bank's Customer Service Point.
What is the condition of BJP leader Lakshmi Das?
Lakshmi Das is undergoing treatment at Alipurduar District Hospital. She was initially taken to Kamakhyaguri Rural Hospital before being transferred for further care.
Who is Kiran Saha and why was he attacked in Malda?
Kiran Saha is a lawyer at Chanchal Subdistrict Court and an active BJP worker. He was attacked with sharp weapons in Malda's Chanchal area on Monday morning and alleged the assault was in retaliation for a complaint he had filed against Habibur Rahman over a harassment incident.
Have any arrests been made in the Malda attack?
Yes, police have arrested an accused in connection with the Malda attack on Kiran Saha. An investigation is ongoing, and the exact motive has not been officially confirmed.
What did BJP workers do in protest?
BJP activists blocked the Ashapur state road in Malda, staging a demonstration and burning tyres in protest against the attack on Kiran Saha. Police deployed a large force to bring the situation under control.
