Couple Alleges Assault at Government Office in West Bengal, Stirring Political Tensions

January 20, 2026 Times of Dakshin Dinajpur 

Kamal Kumar Biswas             Senior Correspondent 

Tension flared at the Gangarampur Sub-Divisional Officer’s (SDO) office in South Dinajpur district on Monday after a couple alleged that they were assaulted while visiting the office to complete official paperwork for their son.

According to the complaint, Bishu Chandra Singh, a resident of the Bishwanathpur area under Banshihari block, and his wife Moutusi Singh had gone to the SDO’s office in Gangarampur, located within Buniadpur municipality, to process their son’s caste certificate. The incident occurred around midday, when a large number of people, including local Trinamool Congress workers, were present at the office.

Mr. Singh alleged that after failing to complete the required work, the couple attempted to leave the premises with a bag containing documents. At that point, they were allegedly attacked by a group of Trinamool Congress supporters present at the office, who beat them and forcibly snatched their bag, scattering the documents inside. The attackers fled the scene when other people rushed in after hearing the couple’s cries for help, the complaint said.

The incident sparked widespread concern and discussion across Buniadpur town, particularly over the safety of ordinary citizens at government offices. Mr. Singh later filed a written complaint at the Banshihari police station. Police said an investigation has been initiated based on the complaint.

However, local Trinamool Congress leaders have categorically denied the allegations. Party representatives claimed that no assault took place and alleged instead that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers had arrived at the SDO’s office with multiple Form 7 documents stored in a bag, raising suspicions about their intent.

Trinamool Congress block president Parthapratim Majumdar dismissed the assault allegations, calling them “baseless,” while maintaining that party workers were present at the office for legitimate administrative reasons.

The episode has further intensified political tensions in the area, with opposition parties questioning the role and conduct of ruling party workers inside government offices.