Bengali actor Payel Mukherjee was allegedly assaulted and her car vandalized by a biker in Kolkata on Friday evening following a minor collision between her vehicle and the bike. The incident took place in the upscale Southern Avenue locality in south Kolkata. Payel Mukherjee documented the confrontation live on Facebook, capturing the escalating situation and calling for help.
According to Payel Mukherjee, the altercation began when the biker stopped her car and began shouting at her. The situation intensified when the biker reportedly punched the car’s window, shattering the glass, and attempted to assault Payel Mukherjee. In response to her live stream, viewers tagged Kolkata Police, prompting immediate intervention.
Kolkata Police swiftly arrived at the scene and apprehended the biker, identified as MI Arasan, a Junior Commissioned Officer at Command Hospital. Payel Mukherjee has since filed a complaint at Tollygunge police station, accusing Arasan of outraging her modesty, threatening her, damaging her car, and using abusive language. The complaint has led to charges of wrongful restraint, assault, insult to modesty of a woman, and criminal intimidation.
Arasan has countered with his own complaint, alleging that Mukherjee was driving recklessly and struck him while he was on his bike. The police are currently investigating both complaints to determine the circumstances of the incident.
During her Facebook Live session, a visibly distressed Payel Mukherjee expressed concerns about women’s safety in Kolkata. She highlighted the ongoing protests over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor, lamenting the lack of adequate security for women in the city.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Priyobroto Roy confirmed the police’s swift response to the incident. He assured that Payel Mukherjee’s safety was secured and the accused was arrested on the spot. “The on-duty police of Tollygunge police station, who were present near the spot, intervened promptly, and her safety was ensured. The accused person has been arrested,” Roy told India Today TV.
Payel Mukherjee is a well-known figure in the Bengali film and television industry, recognized for her roles in various TV serials, films, and web series. Besides acting, Payel Mukherjee has also been involved in modeling and has appeared in several advertisements. The incident has drawn significant attention and raised important questions about the safety of women in Kolkata.
