Bengali actor Payel Mukherjee was allegedly assaulted and her car vandalised by a bike rider in Kolkata on Friday evening. The incident occurred after a "minor" collision between the actor's car and the biker.
Mukherjee immediately started live-streaming the incident on her Facebook profile, narrating the ordeal and calling out for help. Many viewers tagged the Kolkata Police on her post, seeking their intervention.
According to Mukherjee, the incident took place in the ultra-posh Southern Avenue locality in south Kolkata. The bike rider reportedly stopped Mukherjee's car and began shouting at her. He allegedly punched the car's window, breaking the glass, and attempted to attack her.
Kolkata Police arrived at the scene and arrested the biker. Mukherjee has filed a complaint at Tollygunge police station, accusing the biker of outraging her modesty, threatening her, damaging her car, and using abusive language.
Based on her complaint, the police have registered a case on charges of wrongful restraint, assault, insult to modesty of woman and criminal intimidation.
The bike rider, identified as MI Arasan, a Junior Commissioned Officer at Command Hospital, has also filed a complaint against Mukherjee, alleging that she was driving recklessly and had hit him while he was riding his bike. The police are investigating both complaints.
In her Facebook Live, a visibly shaken Mukherjee also raised concerns about women's safety in the city. Referring to the massive outcry over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor, she said, "Despite all the protests that are going on, there is not even minimum security for women in Kolkata."
Priyobroto Roy, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) of Kolkata, told. that the police acted promptly to ensure Mukherjee's safety and apprehend the accused.
"Today evening, a renowned Bengali actress, Payel Mukherjee, was seen live-streaming an incident of road traffic accident and hooliganism in Southern Avenue on social media. The on-duty police of Tollygunge police station, who were present near the spot, swiftly intervened, and her safety was ensured. The accused person has been arrested on the spot," he said.
Payel Mukherjee is known for her work in the Bengali film and television industry. She gained recognition for her performances in various TV serials, films, and web series. In addition to her acting career, Mukherjee has also been involved in modelling and has appeared in several advertisements.
