Singer stopped from performing Durga devotional song in West Bengal, accused arrested

Kolkata: A controversy has erupted in West Bengal after a renowned Bengali singer was allegedly stopped mid-performance while singing “Jago Ma”, a popular devotional song dedicated to Goddess Durga.

The incident, which occurred during a live programme at a private school in Bhagabanpur in Purba Medinipur district, has sparked outrage and led to the arrest of the accused.

“Jago Ma” is one of the most revered devotional songs among Bengali Hindus and holds special significance during Durga Puja and the Navaratri period. Worship of Goddess Durga and Kali is central to Bengal’s cultural and religious life, with Durga Puja considered the state’s biggest festival, much like Dasara in Karnataka.

According to the complaint, acclaimed singer Lagnajita Chakraborty, who rose to fame with the Bengali song “Basanto Ese Geche”, had begun performing “Jago Ma” at the event when she was allegedly interrupted by Mehboob Mallick, the school owner and main organiser of the programme.

Chakraborty alleged that Mallick stopped her performance, demanded that she sing a “secular” song instead, and even attempted to physically assault her on stage. In her police complaint, Chakraborty stated that Mallick shouted, “Enough of Jago Ma, now sing something secular,” and tried to intimidate her in front of the audience.

Senior police officer Mithun Dey confirmed that Mallick was both the event organiser and the owner of the school where the programme was held. The singer further alleged that when she initially approached the Bhagabanpur police station, officers refused to register her complaint.

However, following public outrage, a case was eventually registered and Mallick was arrested. Police have also initiated a departmental inquiry against the officer-in-charge of the police station and another official for negligence. “Strict action will be taken against them,” Mithun Dey said.

Meanwhile, the accused’s brother, Masud Mallick, denied the allegations, calling them baseless. He claimed the dispute arose after the singer allegedly demanded extra payment due to a delay in providing the stage.

He also claimed that since it was a school function, she was requested to sing a non-religious song. Chakraborty has firmly rejected these claims, saying she has full faith in the police investigation.

The incident has triggered political reactions as well. The BJP alleged that the accused is linked to the ruling Trinamool Congress and accused the Mamata Banerjee government of promoting “anti-Hindu” policies. BJP leader Shankudeb Panda claimed the police initially refused to act under political pressure.

Also Read: Singer stopped from performing Durga devotional song in West Bengal, accused arrested