Art teacher assaulted in West Bengal after protesting against public drinking, 5 arrested

The incident, captured on CCTV, took place in Belgharia on Saturday night when Nirupam Pal was returning from a wedding ceremony and noticed a group of youngsters consuming liquor by the roadside, according to an NDTV report.

Pal confronted them, asking not to drink in a residential area, after which the accused thrashed him.

His relative, Rony Paul, told NDTV, "I was sleeping. My uncle called and told me that he had been assaulted. Eight young men and a woman were drinking here. Uncle told them that they should not be drinking in public in broad daylight.

"They then slapped and punched him. He started bleeding from the nose. Bystanders rescued him. The attackers also threatened to kill him. We are scared."

CCTV footage shows three men and a woman repeatedly hitting Pal as he tries to shield his face, while another person attempts to intervene but fails to stop the assault.

Pal was taken to hospital and later lodged a complaint.

Police have arrested five people in connection with the case and said further investigation is underway, the report said.

Local MLA and Trinamool Congress leader Madan Mitra voiced support for the teacher, saying residents stand united against such behaviour.

"We are all with him. All of you should protest. Earlier, we used to keep vigil in all localities at night. We will resume this practice after consulting with local councilors. This cannot be tolerated," he said.