Government News

Khalistani’ slur row: BJPs Suvendu Adhikari dares Bengal Police to ‘prove charge in 24 hrs or face consequences’

By - 22 Feb 2024 08:20 PM

Leader of opposition in the West Bengal assembly and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Suvendu Adhikari on Tuesday challenged the state police to prove their charge that a 'Khalistani' slur was hurled at a Sikh police officer within 24 hours or face consequences. The IPS officer was deputed to prevent Adhikari from visiting the violence-stricken Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district. Adhikari, along with another BJP leader Agnimitra Paul, had claimed that IPS officer Jaspreet Singh wasn't fulfilling his duties, but dismissed allegations that anyone from the party called him a 'Khalistani.'

"No one has abused him or used the word 'Khalistani.' He is trying to make an issue," Paul claimed. Adhikari has also denied the allegations and accused the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of diverting attention from development in Sandeshkhali, which had been witnessing protests after local women accused absconding TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh and his supporters of "sexually assaulting" them under coercion.

The IPS officer, offended by the alleged comment, had questioned the BJP workers. "Just because I am wearing a turban, you people are calling me a Khalistani? Is this what you have learnt? If a police officer wears a turban and performs his duty honestly, he becomes a Khalistani for you? Shame on you," he had said.