Lok Sabha Privileges Committee Issues Notice to West Bengal Police Over BJP MP’s Allegations
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 16th Feb. In response to allegations of misconduct and brutality during a protest in West Bengal’s Sandeshkhali, the Privileges Committee of the Lok Sabha has taken action. The committee issued a notice to senior police officers in West Bengal following a complaint filed by BJP MP Sukanta Majumdar.
The complaint alleges misconduct, brutality, and life-threatening injuries during a confrontation with uniformed personnel amid protests against the prevailing unrest in Sandeshkhali. The notice, issued by the Lok Sabha Secretariat, requires Rajeev Kumar, IPS, DGP/IGP of West Bengal, Basirhat SP Hossain Mehedi Rehman, and Additional SP Partha Ghosh to appear before the committee on February 19 for oral evidence.
The incident occurred amidst escalating violence following allegations of atrocities on women by fugitive TMC strongman Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates in Sandeshkhali. Mr. Majumdar raised concerns about a breach of privilege and violation of protocol norms in a letter to the Privileges Committee.
Mr. Majumdar himself was admitted to a multi-speciality hospital in Basirhat after reportedly falling unconscious during a police lathi charge on protesters. The clash between police personnel and BJP workers erupted when the latter attempted to defy prohibitory orders near the SP’s office in Basirhat ahead of the demonstration.
In response to the situation, the BJP announced the formation of a six-member committee of Union Ministers and MPs. The committee, led by Union Minister Annapurna Devi, will visit Sandeshkhali to assess the situation, speak with victims, and compile a comprehensive report.
Meanwhile, the TMC government has reimposed Section 144 of the CrPC in areas surrounding Sandeshkhali amid the escalating tensions. The TMC, in turn, has accused the BJP of attempting to disrupt peace in the region, condemning what they describe as efforts to incite violence.
With both parties trading accusations, the situation in Sandeshkhali remains tense, prompting further scrutiny and intervention from both state and national authorities.
