Guwahati, March 4: A video clip purportedly showing Prajoyeeta Kashyap, the daughter of former Assam Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, assaulting a driver has surfaced on social media, sparking widespread discussions. The footage, recorded on the premises of the high-security MLA Hostel in Dispur, depicts Kashyap verbally abusing and hitting the driver with a slipper while he kneels on the ground. Several onlookers were present during the incident.
As the video gained traction online on Monday, Kashyap defended her actions, claiming that the driver had been harassing her for a long time. "He has been working for our family for years, but he is always intoxicated and passes inappropriate comments at me. We repeatedly tried to make him understand, but today he crossed all limits by pounding on my door," she stated.
However, when questioned about not filing a police complaint against the driver, Kashyap avoided giving a direct response. She expressed concern over how such cases often turn against women. She also did not clarify whether the driver was a government employee or personally hired by their family, raising broader concerns about women's safety in public spaces.
Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, a former president of the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), served as Assam's Chief Minister from 1985 to 1990 and again from 1996 to 2001. Though not currently a legislator, he and his family continue to reside in the MLA Hostel.
The incident has triggered debates over issues of workplace harassment, security at government accommodations, and the appropriateness of handling such situations outside legal frameworks. Authorities have yet to comment on the matter.
As the video gained traction online on Monday, Kashyap defended her actions, claiming that the driver had been harassing her for a long time. "He has been working for our family for years, but he is always intoxicated and passes inappropriate comments at me. We repeatedly tried to make him understand, but today he crossed all limits by pounding on my door," she stated.
However, when questioned about not filing a police complaint against the driver, Kashyap avoided giving a direct response. She expressed concern over how such cases often turn against women. She also did not clarify whether the driver was a government employee or personally hired by their family, raising broader concerns about women's safety in public spaces.
Prafulla Kumar Mahanta, a former president of the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), served as Assam's Chief Minister from 1985 to 1990 and again from 1996 to 2001. Though not currently a legislator, he and his family continue to reside in the MLA Hostel.
The incident has triggered debates over issues of workplace harassment, security at government accommodations, and the appropriateness of handling such situations outside legal frameworks. Authorities have yet to comment on the matter.