Kolkata, 03 November (H.S.). The youth accused of assaulting former West Bengal minister and Trinamool Congress MLA Jyotipriya Mallick outside his Salt Lake residence on Sunday night has been released by police, citing his unstable mental condition. Officials confirmed that the accused is currently undergoing treatment at a city hospital.

Police identified the youth as Abhishek Das, a resident of Habra in North 24 Parganas district. He was detained immediately after the incident but was released on Monday morning after medical assessment indicated mental health issues. His family has been informed, officers added.

According to police, Das allegedly punched Mallick when he arrived at the main gate of his residence, causing the legislator to fall on the road. Although shaken, Mallick did not sustain major injuries and did not require hospitalisation. Security personnel present at the spot promptly apprehended the attacker.

The incident has raised concerns about the security arrangements at the entrance of the MLA’s home. Speaking to the media later, Mallick said, “It seems he was intoxicated. He had been loitering outside my house since afternoon. As soon as I arrived around 8 pm, he attacked me.”

He also stated that he was unaware of any possible motive behind the assault.

Police clarified that since Mallick has not filed any formal complaint against Das, no further legal action is being pursued at this time.

Mallick was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in 2023 in connection with the alleged ration distribution scam. After spending around 14 months in custody, he was granted bail on January 15 this year. He briefly returned to the state cabinet before being removed from his ministerial post.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh