On Sunday night, 25th January, a disturbing incident unfolded in the heart of Kolkata when Republic Bangla journalist Kishalay Mukherjee was brutally attacked while returning home. The journalist later took to Facebook to share his ordeal, describing in detail how a group of unidentified attackers targeted him with weapons. The incident has sparked widespread concern, especially as Mukherjee is known for being openly critical of the Mamata Banerjee-led West Bengal government.

According to Mukherjee, the attack occurred near the Tollygunge metro station in South Kolkata, an area that is usually busy and well-patrolled. In a now-viral Facebook video, he explained how the assault happened suddenly and without warning. “I was going home. This is the second time. When I was on my way to the Tollygunge metro, a car stopped in front of me. There were 2-3 people inside the car. They attacked me with rods and knives,” he said.

The attack left the journalist shaken and injured. Kishalay Mukherjee was assaulted with rods and knives by unknown miscreants in Tollygunge, Kolkata. The incident has raised a serious question about press freedom and personal safety in the city. Many have pointed out that this is the price he appears to be paying for questioning the government. If a journalist is not safe in the heart of Kolkata, concerns naturally arise about the safety of ordinary citizens.

Visibly distressed, Mukherjee went on to reveal that this was not the first time he had been targeted. “This is the second time that I have been attacked. I think they broke my teeth. They hit me with a knife. This is the second time. I was getting threats for the past few days,” he said, highlighting that the attack may not have been random.

He also pointed out the apparent failure of law enforcement despite the location being under surveillance. “I have tagged the Kolkata Police…There are CCTVs here. The police station is nearby. 3 people were waiting for me with rods and knives,” Mukherjee stated, questioning how such an attack could take place in an area with visible security arrangements.

Despite the fear and injuries, the journalist made it clear that he would not be silenced. “I will stay in this city, and they will attack me again and again. They hit me with a rod on the head and my face. Luckily, I had a helmet. They attacked my hand with knives,” Kishalay Mukherjee concluded, underlining both the seriousness of the assault and his resolve to continue his work.

This is not the first instance of violence against the Republic Bangla journalist in West Bengal. In July last year, Mukherjee was attacked near Park Circus, one of the busiest areas in Kolkata. During that incident, his wallet was snatched, and he was repeatedly struck with a sharp blade. He suffered serious injuries and had to be rushed to a hospital for treatment.

Kishalay Mukherjee has consistently been vocal against the Mamata Banerjee government and the ruling Trinamool Congress, often highlighting issues related to alleged corruption during his shows on Republic Bangla. His repeated targeting has therefore raised concerns about whether journalists critical of the government are being deliberately intimidated.

BJP Condemns Attack on Republic Bangla Anchor

The attack has drawn strong political reactions, particularly from the Bharatiya Janata Party. BJP MP Jagannath Sarkar condemned the incident while speaking to Republic TV. “The government and its police seem more focused on protecting criminals than the public. Law and order in Bengal has completely collapsed. Kishalay Mukherjee was targeted because Republic Bangla has consistently stood up for the truth. The Centre must take this seriously and step in,” he said.

West Bengal BJP General Secretary and Asansol South MLA Agnimitra Paul also condemned what she described as a cowardly assault on a journalist. Taking to X early on Wednesday, she demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible and called for the strictest possible punishment under the law. “If a journalist is not safe in Mamata Banerjee’s Bengal, what security can an ordinary citizen possibly expect? This incident exposes the complete breakdown of law and order under Mamata Banerjee, who also holds the Home Ministry portfolio. West Bengal has become a lawless jungle, where dissenting voices, especially those critical of the regime, are silenced through violence,” she wrote.

Union Minister of State for Education and Development of North Eastern Region, Sukanta Majumdar, also strongly condemned the brutal attack, calling it a shocking reminder of the worsening law and order situation in Kolkata. In another post on X, he highlighted the growing insecurity in several parts of the city. “This deeply disturbing incident once again brings to light the deteriorating state of public safety in various parts of Kolkata, largely due to administrative negligence and the persistent inaction of the police. Incidents of snatching have become increasingly rampant in Park Circus and other key areas of the city. Owing to the lack of effective policing, innocent citizens are being forced to endure such attacks on a near-daily basis. Despite receiving serious complaints, the police remain largely unresponsive in these vulnerable zones,” he wrote.

In a separate telephonic conversation with Republic, the Union Minister pointed out that attacks on journalists in West Bengal were not isolated incidents. “This is not the first time when a reporter was attacked in West Bengal, specially Republic Bangla. Earlier, Santu Pan was arrested and harassed. Those who in power here believe that Bengal is a separate country…” he said, raising concerns over the treatment of media professionals in the state.

The assault on the Republic Bangla anchor in the very heart of Kolkata has once again exposed the fragile state of public safety in West Bengal. When a journalist can be attacked so openly and brutally, it naturally raises fears about the safety of the common citizen. The incident forces an uncomfortable but necessary discussion. Has the fear of law vanished in Mamata Banerjee’s Bengal? The questions remain unavoidable and pressing: Where is the law? Where is the accountability? And who will ensure the safety of the people of West Bengal?