IPS Officer Called ‘Khalistani’ By BJP Leader In Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, SGPC Condemn Remarks

In a significant political development, a video capturing a BJP leader’s derogatory reference to a Sikh police officer in Bengal as “Khalistani” has gone viral on social media, sparking a heated controversy. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, along with the Sikh body SGPC (Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee) and the Congress, has strongly criticized the BJP for the incident. The state police, attributing the comment to Bengal’s Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, has pledged to take robust legal measures.

According to the state police’s official statements, the targeted police officer, being a proud Sikh and diligent law enforcer, faced unwarranted accusations: “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… this comment is as much malicious and racial as it is communally inciting. It is a criminal act.”

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 confrontation unfolded as protesters led by Subhendu Adhikari were heading to Sandeshkhali but were halted by the police. During the altercation, a protester allegedly labeled a senior police officer on duty a “Khalistani,” prompting a strong response. The officer retorted, “I’m wearing a turban, that’s why you call me a Khalistani? I will take action about this… You cannot attack my religion. I have not said anything about your religion.”

Adding fuel to the fire of hate, @SuvenduWB shamelessly labelled a turban-wearing IPS officer as a 'KHALISTANI'.

The Sikh Community of Asansol took to the streets in protest against this brazen display of bigotry and the divisive culture that @BJP4India endorses! pic.twitter.com/Ul4m1Hn7Sg

— All India Trinamool Congress (@AITCofficial) February 20, 2024

Despite the officer’s plea, BJP workers remained undeterred, with a woman shouting, “You do your job… you just butter them up. you are sycophants.”

Condemning the BJP for engaging in “divisive politics,” Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee emphasized the sacrifices made by Sikhs for the country’s freedom.

SGPC chief Harjinder Singh Dhami raised concerns about the deliberate promotion of hatred in the country, while Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge directed sharp criticism at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allegedly fostering religious fanaticism.

The intentional character assassination of a Sikh IPS officer S. Jaspreet Singh by the BJP leaders in West Bengal is highly condemnable. Leaders who have such thinking in the country should never forget that Sikhs have made the most sacrifices for the freedom and protection of… pic.twitter.com/MsKr9BLYgu

— Harjinder Singh Dhami (@SGPCPresident) February 20, 2024

The BJP workers were en route to Sandeshkhali in south Bengal following a court order allowing their visit, which overturned administration-imposed roadblocks. The island in Sundarbans had become a focal point of controversy, with locals accusing a Trinamool Congress figure of sexual exploitation and land grabbing. Prohibitory orders had been enforced in the area due to the turmoil, preventing opposition visits.