“A political controversy erupted as Mamata Banerjee posted a video showing a turbaned Sikh police officer objecting to being called a ‘Khalistani‘ at a BJP march in Sandeshkhali. Contradicting this, a BJP leader present at the event denied any such accusation. Banerjee later accused the BJP of undermining the Sikh community in a post on X.”
“While the video lacks the moment when the term was uttered, the officer can be heard expressing, ‘Because I am wearing a turban, you’re saying this. If I was not wearing a turban, would you have called me Khalistani? You can say what you want about the police, but you can’t comment on my religion.”
“Meanwhile, BJP leader Agnimitra Paul accused Banerjee of attempting to divert attention from the Sandeshkhali incident. Sandeshkhali has been in turmoil for the past two weeks following allegations by several women against Trinamool Leader Shahjahan Sheikh and his supporters of ‘land–grabbing and sexually assaulting‘ them under coercion.
Hours after Mamata Banerjee shared the video, Agnimitra Paul stated:
‘No one called anyone a Khalistani. If Mamata Banerjee has any evidence, she should release the video. The West Bengal Police is merely a puppet of the TMC.
Moreover, The real issue here is the plight of the women in Sandeshkhali. Who have been subjected to rape and torture. Shahjahan Sheikh, their tormentor, is still at large and enjoys Mamata Banerjee’s support. Instead of diverting attention, Mamata Banerjee should focus on arresting Shahjahan Sheikh immediately.
Let the Bengal Police prioritize law enforcement over politics.’
Political Turmoil: Confrontation Over Sandeshkhali Visit Sparks Controversy:
The confrontation unfolded when police prevented BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari from visiting the tumultuous Sandeshkhali island in North 24 Parganas district. In the video, BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul, accompanying Adhikari, is seen engaging in a heated exchange with the police officer at Dhamakhali. While the officer responds to the alleged taunt, a BJP leader can be heard stating, “we haven’t said it.”
The officer in the video is:
Jaspreet Singh, an IPS officer of the 2016 batch, currently serving as Special Superintendent (Intelligence Bureau) in the West Bengal Police.
On Tuesday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticized the BJP, stating that:
The party’s ‘divisive politics has shamelessly overstepped constitutional boundaries’.
On the other hand, She condemned the ‘attempt to undermine the reputation of our Sikh brothers and sisters’, stating:
“Today, the BJP’s divisive politics has shamelessly overstepped constitutional boundaries. According to the BJP, every person wearing a turban is a Khalistani,” as mentioned in her post on X.
she added:
The Congress criticized the BJP for the incident, condemning what they described as
“the disgraceful behavior of BJP members.”
However, On X, they stated:
“Look at the demeaning conduct of BJP individuals. A police officer who has dedicated himself to serving the country around the clock was labeled a Khalistani simply because he wore a turban. This mindset is deeply troubling.”
