Kolkata / Bhagwanpur (East Midnapore): A cultural programme at a private school in West Bengal’s East Midnapore district descended into chaos on Saturday night after renowned Kolkata-based playback singer Lagnajita Chakraborty was allegedly abused and physically harassed for performing a devotional song on stage.

The incident has sparked a political storm, with police arresting the school owner and ordering a departmental enquiry against the local police station’s officer-in-charge.

Chakraborty had been invited to perform at the annual function of a private school in Bhagwanpur. According to her formal complaint, trouble began when she started singing ‘Joy Maa’ (also referred to as ‘Jago Maa’), a popular devotional track from the film ‘Devi Chowdhurani’.

Eyewitnesses said the programme was abruptly disrupted when the school’s owner, Mehebub Mallick, allegedly intervened mid-performance.

In her written complaint, the singer alleged that Mallick used abusive language and instructed her to stop the song.

“When I began the ‘Joy Maa’ song, the owner verbally abused me, saying, ‘Enough of this… now sing something secular.’ It wasn’t just verbal; I was subjected to physical harassment as well during the commotion,” Chakraborty stated.

Following the alleged harassment and intimidation, the singer and her band members walked off the stage and left the venue. They later went directly to Bhagwanpur Police Station, where statements were recorded and a formal complaint was lodged.

The district administration moved swiftly in response. East Midnapore Acting Superintendent of Police Mitun Kumar De confirmed that an FIR has been registered and that the accused school owner has been arrested.

“The accused is in custody. We are committed to ensuring he is brought to justice,” De said, adding that a departmental enquiry has been ordered against the local police station’s officer-in-charge to examine any possible lapses.

Police officials said the singer has been assured full cooperation and security, while investigations are underway to establish the sequence of events and accountability.

The incident has since triggered sharp political reactions. Reacting to the episode, BJP leader Sajal Ghosh launched a scathing attack, linking the controversy to a broader ideological debate.

“The artist was singing ‘Jago Maa’. These people are against Vande Mataram. They do not like Matri Pooja and do not respect the mother. Tell me, what is the difference between Bangladesh and you?” Ghosh said, intensifying the political temperature around the case.