Amidst the tumultuous clash between BJP supporters and police near Sandeshkhali island, the BJP vehemently refutes accusations leveled against its Bengal leader, Suvendu Adhikari, regarding his alleged use of a “Khalistani” slur towards a Sikh IPS officer, Jaspeet Singh.
The BJP, citing a violation of a Calcutta High Court order permitting Mr. Adhikari’s visit to Sandeshkhali, accuses Jaspeet Singh of overstepping his authority, suggesting a bias towards political involvement rather than law enforcement by the Bengal police. Mr. Adhikari further asserts that the Trinamool Congress fabricated the incident to deflect attention from Sandeshkhali’s contentious issues.
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, journeyed to Sandeshkhali amidst allegations implicating local Trinamool leaders in land appropriation and extortion. Additionally, the BJP alleges sexual harassment perpetrated by aides of Trinamool’s Sheikh Shahjahan.
In a scathing rebuke on X, the Bengal BJP lambasted state police officers, portraying them as subservient to Trinamool interests.
Questioning the officer’s actions, the BJP challenges his authority to obstruct the delegation, asserting that his actions contravened the court’s mandate.
Dhamakhali witnessed heightened tensions as Bengal police obstructed Mr. Adhikari’s passage despite the court’s authorization, relenting only after a Calcutta High Court intervention.
Accusing the IPS officer of serving the Chief Minister’s agenda, the BJP alleges deliberate delays by the officer, implicating him in contempt of court.
We, the West Bengal Police fraternity, are outraged to share this video, where one of our own officers was called ‘Khalistani’ by the state’s Leader of the Opposition. His ‘fault’: he is both a proud Sikh, and a capable police officer who was trying to enforce the law…(1/3)
— West Bengal Police (@WBPolice) February 20, 2024
The BJP denounces the Bengal Police’s alleged partisanship and religious bias, emphasizing its leaders’ innocence of derogatory remarks and accusing the officer of seeking unwarranted attention.
Furthermore, the BJP queries the police’s failure to apprehend Shahjahan, missing since his supporters assaulted an Enforcement Directorate team in Sandeshkhali.
In a stark critique, the BJP shares visuals of Sikh protesters being detained by Bengal police, their turbans removed, portraying the force’s disrespect towards Sikhs.
This rebuttal follows Bengal police’s accusations against Mr. Adhikari, sparking controversy over his alleged derogatory remarks towards the Sikh officer, prompting stern action from the police.
Senior police officer Supratim Sarkar condemns Mr. Adhikari’s alleged remarks, vowing legal repercussions.
In response, Mr. Adhikari challenges Sarkar to substantiate his claims within 24 hours or face legal consequences.
The viral video depicting the confrontation between BJP leaders and the Sikh officer ignites a political firestorm, with accusations of religious insensitivity hurled at the BJP.
Trinamool leader Ms. Banerjee condemns BJP’s alleged divisive tactics, while Congress leader Rahul Gandhi denounces the party’s purported hate politics.
Today, the BJP’s divisive politics has shamelessly overstepped constitutional boundaries. As per @BJP4India every person wearing a TURBAN is a KHALISTANI.I VEHEMENTLY CONDEMN this audacious attempt to undermine the reputation of our SIKH BROTHERS & SISTERS, revered for their… pic.twitter.com/toYs8LhiuU
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) February 20, 2024
Harjinder Singh Dhami, president of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, condemns the BJP’s disparagement of Sikh IPS officer S. Jaspreet Singh, underscoring the Sikh community’s sacrifices for the nation.
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