Kolkata: The BJP has vehemently denied allegations against its Bengal leader, Suvendu Adhikari, regarding the use of a “Khalistani” slur against a Sikh IPS officer during a confrontation between BJP workers and police near Sandeshkhali island.
Accusing the officer, Jaspeet Singh, of disregarding a Calcutta High Court order that permitted Mr. Adhikari’s visit to Sandeshkhali, the state BJP has alleged that the Bengal police are prioritizing political agendas over law enforcement. Mr. Adhikari has further claimed that the ruling Trinamool Congress orchestrated the issue to divert attention from Sandeshkhali’s controversies.
We, the people of Bengal are equally outraged to see that @WBPolice, which should be acting as custodians of law and order in the state, have reduced themselves to being doormats of the ruling TMC.
Since WB Police is talking about capability, do we need to remind that had the… https://t.co/EbBC5VSmFn pic.twitter.com/1iskZ0QGbr
— BJP West Bengal (@BJP4Bengal) February 20, 2024
The confrontation occurred as Mr. Adhikari, the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, was en route to Sandeshkhali, which has been embroiled in allegations of land grab and extortion involving local Trinamool leaders. The BJP has also accused aides of Trinamool strongman Sheikh Shahjahan of sexually harassing women.
In a statement posted on their platform, the Bengal BJP criticized state police officers, accusing them of becoming subservient to the Trinamool Congress. They questioned the actions of the IPS officer, stating that he had no authority to impede Mr. Adhikari’s movement despite the court order.
The incident at Dhamakhali, en route to Sandeshkhali, saw high tensions as Bengal police initially prevented Mr. Adhikari from proceeding to the island, only allowing him after pressure from the Calcutta High Court.
The BJP alleged that the IPS officer was acting on behalf of the Chief Minister in hopes of overturning the court’s decision. They accused him of deliberately delaying the BJP delegation’s progress.
The party denied using derogatory language and accused the officer of seeking unwarranted attention. They also shared visuals of Bengal police detaining Sikh protesters and removing their turbans, alleging disrespect towards the Sikh community.
The Bengal police, in response, accused Mr. Adhikari of using a derogatory term against the Sikh officer, leading to outrage among the police fraternity. They condemned the attack on the officer’s religious identity and vowed strict action.
A viral video depicting the heated exchange between BJP leaders and the Sikh officer has sparked a controversy. In the video, the officer protests being called a Khalistani due to wearing a turban, while BJP leaders accuse him of neglecting his duty.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned the BJP’s actions, labeling them divisive, while Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the BJP’s “hate politics.”
Harjinder Singh Dhami, president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, denounced the character assassination of the Sikh IPS officer by BJP leaders, emphasizing the sacrifices made by the Sikh community for the nation.
The situation has escalated into a significant dispute, drawing condemnation from various political figures and Sikh organizations.
Read More:
