Pregnant Woman Delivers Stillborn After Alleged Assault in West Bengal's Cooch Behar

Police in West Bengal reported that an eight-month-pregnant woman delivered a stillborn baby following an alleged assault by suspected political workers. The incident occurred in Kuchni village, located within the Dinhata-II block of Cooch Behar district.

According to reports from Saturday, the event took place on Wednesday night. News agency PTI stated that the victim, Priya Pal, attempted to intervene when a group of men allegedly attacked her husband, Debajit Barman. Barman works as a private tutor and is identified as an All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) supporter. He was reportedly targeted while returning home.

Hospitalization and Delivery

Following the assault, Barman stated that both he and his wife were admitted to Dinhata Sub-divisional Hospital. On Friday, Priya Pal delivered a stillborn baby boy at the medical facility.

Barman alleged that the attack connected to his sister-in-law Ranu Barman, a former TMC panchayat member, and her association with the party.

Police Action and Arrests

Based on a police complaint filed by Barman that named 10 individuals, law enforcement officers confirmed the arrest of two suspects, identified as Chandan Barman and Manoranjan Barman. Authorities stated that searches are ongoing to locate the remaining named individuals.

BJP Response

Local BJP leaders denied that the arrested individuals were party workers, asserting instead that the incident stemmed from an unrelated dispute.

Dinhata's BJP MLA, Ajay Ray, condemned the incident and visited the affected family. Speaking to PTI, Ray stated that two arrests had been made and that authorities would pursue the remaining suspects, referencing a zero-tolerance policy toward crimes against women. Ray also alleged past violence in the area during the tenure of the previous administration.

Verification and Practical Steps

Readers seeking to verify details of this report can monitor official statements from local law enforcement authorities in Cooch Behar district or check updates through verified news wire services such as PTI.