Here’s what we know so far

IPS Officer Called ‘Khalistani’ by BJP

IPS officer Jaspreet Singh, who along with his team was deputed at Dhamakhali and had put up barricades to stop Suvendu Adhikari from visiting Sandeshkhali located just across Kalindi River, was allegedly called a “Khalistani” by a group of BJP supporters.

“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 was heard saying to the BJP supporters.

IPS officer Jaspreet Singh said he was just doing his job.

“I am just doing my job. Did I say anything about your religion, why are you speaking about my religion?” he said.

What Was BJP’s response?

BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul, accompanying Adhikari, claimed that the police officer wasn’t fulfilling his duties and dismissed the allegation that BJP supporters called him a ‘Khalistani‘.

The BJP also denied the charge and accused the police officer of not performing his duty as per the Constitution.

“No one has abused him or used the word Khalistani. He is trying to make an issue. The police officer was not performing his duty as per the Constitution,” Paul said.

What Did Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Say?

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the BJP’s “divisive politics has shamelessly overstepped constitutional boundaries”, and condemned the “audacious attempt to undermine the reputation of Sikhs, revered for their sacrifices and unwavering determination to our nation”.

Mamata Banerjee shared a video clip on X and said the BJP‘s divisive politics has crossed all constitutional limits.

“Today, the BJP’s divisive politics has shamelessly overstepped constitutional boundaries. As per @BJP4India every person wearing a TURBAN is a KHALISTANI. I VEHEMENTLY CONDEMN this audacious attempt to undermine the reputation of our SIKH BROTHERS & SISTERS, revered for their SACRIFICES and UNWAVERING DETERMINATION to our nation,” she posted on X.