A school teacher was brutally assaulted in broad daylight after objecting to a group of young men and women drinking alcohol in public in Kamarhati, on the northern outskirts of Kolkata.

The incident, which left the victim — identified as 45-year-old art teacher Nirupam Pal — seriously injured, took place on Saturday morning in Ward No. 31 of Kamarhati Municipality, sparking panic among local residents.

Police said Mr Pal, a resident of Nandannagar, was returning home from a community function when he saw several people drinking by the roadside. Disturbed by the sight of public drinking early in the morning, he confronted the group. According to the complaint lodged at Belgharia police station, the youths and a woman then attacked him, dragging him to the ground and beating him severely.

Local residents who rushed to the spot managed to rescue the teacher, while the assailants fled. The attackers also allegedly threatened to kill Mr Pal.

Police confirmed that CCTV footage from the area captured the assault. One suspect has been taken in for questioning, while efforts are on to identify and trace the others, believed to be outsiders.

The incident has triggered political controversy. Sayanadeep Mitra, a member of the CPI(M) state committee, visited the site and accused the police of inaction. “Belgharia and Kamarhati are increasingly becoming safe havens for miscreants. It was the duty of the police to prevent public drinking, but when they failed to do so, Nirupam Sir took a stand and paid the price,” he said.

Police have launched an investigation, but the accused remain absconding.