Suvendu Adhikari referred to a Sikh officer as “Khalistani,” prompting legal action: WB Police

The West Bengal Police reported on Tuesday that the Sikh IPS officer was referred to as a “Khalistani” by BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari. They also said that serious legal action is being taken against the officer.

The state’s police issued the following statement on “X,” which included a supposedly recorded footage of the incident: “We, the West Bengal Police fraternity, are outraged to share this video, wherein the state’s Leader of the Opposition called one of our own officers ‘Khalistani.'” His “fault” is that he was attempting to uphold the law while also being a proud Sikh and a competent police officer.

“This remark is not only provocative to the community, but also hateful and racially charged. That is illegal behavior. The statement continued, “We categorically denounce the unwarranted, intolerable assault on a person’s religious identity and beliefs intended to urge others to resort to violence and breach the law.

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The turbaned IPS officer SSP Jaspreet Singh was called in to prevent the BJP activists, including Adhikari, from going to Sandeshkhali as part of their protests.

Adhikari reportedly referred to Singh as “Khalistani” during an altercation between BJP officials and the IPS officer. This allegedly caused the officer to get very upset and told the BJP leader to stop talking about his religion.

“I’ll do something about this. Did you presume I’m a Khalistani just because I wear a turban? You are not permitted to discuss my faith. Has anybody discussed your faith with others? The officer confronted the MLA, “Then why did you comment on my religion?” with anger.

“You are the only one commenting on religion; nobody else is.” Are police officers presumed to be Khalistani if they don a turban? Don’t bring up my religion; I’m not talking about yours. You call me a Khalistani? How dare you! Is this what you’re at? He continued.

Following the event, a major political controversy broke out, with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accusing the BJP of dividing the country and going beyond constitutional bounds.

“The divisive politics of the BJP today have shamelessly crossed constitutional boundaries.” Every individual wearing a turban is considered a KHALISTANI by the BJP. Banerjee said on “X,” “I VEHEMENTLY CONDEMN this bold attempt to damage the reputation of our Sikhi brothers and sisters, who are honored for their SACRIFICES and UNWAVERING DETERMINATION to our country.”