A Sikh IPS officer, assigned to maintain order in Dhamakhali and prevent senior West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari from visiting the turbulent Sandeshkhali area in North 24 Parganas district, became visibly upset when a group of activists from the saffron party allegedly taunted him with the label ‘Khalistani’.
Accompanying Adhikari, BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul contended that the police officer was neglecting his duties and refuted the claim that BJP supporters had referred to him as a ‘Khalistani’.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee denounced the BJP’s “divisive politics” and criticized their attempt to tarnish the reputation of Sikhs by labeling them as ‘Khalistanis’. She emphasized the historical sacrifices and unwavering patriotism of the Sikh community.
IPS officer Jaspreet Singh, stationed with his team at Dhamakhali, had set up barricades to deter Adhikari from reaching Sandeshkhali. Allegedly, a group of BJP supporters directed the derogatory term ‘Khalistani’ towards him, prompting Singh’s strong response.
Singh expressed his dismay, questioning why wearing a turban led to being labeled a ‘Khalistani’, and reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling his duty as a police officer.
Banerjee shared a video clip condemning the BJP’s divisive tactics and vowed to protect social harmony in Bengal.
The BJP denied the allegations, accusing the police officer of failing to adhere to constitutional duties.
In response to the incident, members of the Sikh community planned to protest outside the BJP’s state headquarters in Kolkata and in Asansol against the use of the derogatory term.
Earlier, police had prevented Adhikari from visiting Sandeshkhali, citing prohibitory orders and the state government’s legal action against a court order allowing his visit.
Sandeshkhali had been gripped by protests after local women accused Trinamool Congress leader Shajahan Sheikh and his supporters of land grabbing and sexual assault.
Shajahan has been evading authorities since a group, purportedly linked to him, attacked Enforcement Directorate officials during a raid related to a ration scam on January 5.
