The West Bengal Police has denounced the designation of a Sikh officer as a 'Khalistani' as a 'criminal act.' The statement released argued, "We at the West Bengal Police are outraged by the sharing of this video where our officer has been called a 'Khalistani' by the leader of the state's opposition. His 'fault' was simply being a proud Sikh and a competent law enforcement officer attempting to apply the law."
The local police added, "This comment is as malicious and racist as it is communally provocative. It constitutes a criminal act. We strongly condemn this unacceptable assault on an individual's religious identity and beliefs, which aims to provoke violence and law-breaking. Strict legal action is being initiated."
Incident of Sikh Officer Branded 'Khalistani' Sparks Outrage
An incident of a Sikh police officer in West Bengal being called a 'Khalistani' has sparked a significant uproar. A large group of people from the Sikh community held demonstrations outside the BJP headquarters in Kolkata. It is claimed that during the BJP's opposition march in Sandeshkhali, someone referred to the officer as a 'Khalistani,' angering the community. Jaspreet Singh, deployed as a Special Superintendent in the West Bengal Police, is allegedly heard saying in a video, "You call me a Khalistani because I am wearing a turban."
Punjab Assembly's Leader of the Opposition and Congress leader Pratap Singh Bajwa shared a video and termed the event 'shameful'. Accusing the BJP in his post, he said, "BJP workers in West Bengal are calling a Sikh IPS officer a Khalistani just because he is performing his duty. Is this what the BJP thinks of Sikhs? Strict action must be taken against those attempting to enact this thuggery and portray Sikhs as Khalistanis."
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This is a Highly Degrading Mindset - Congress
The official Congress handle also shared a video. In the clip, the officer who was referred to as a 'Khalistani' can be heard stating, "You are calling me a Khalistani because I wear a turban." The Congress post commented, "Witness the lowly act of BJP people. A police officer serving the country day and night is being called a Khalistani just because he wears a turban. This is an extremely degrading mindset."
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"Is This Your Level?" Officer Claims in Protest
In a video that has emerged on social media, police officer Jaspreet Singh is seen stating, "You call me a Khalistani because I wear a turban. Is this your level of thinking? If a policeman performs his duty wearing a turban, does that make him a Khalistani? Is this the level you stoop to?" Although the claim of the officer being called a 'Khalistani' was not recorded in the video shared by Congress and its leaders.
What is the Full Controversy?
The confrontation occurred when the police prevented BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari from visiting Sandeshkhali in the North 24 Parganas district. In the video, BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul is seen arguing with a police officer in Dhamakhali, and it is overheard that a BJP leader states, "We did not say this."
