Tensions Rise as Turban-Clad IPS Officer Accused of Being 'Khalistani'

The BJP came under fire on Tuesday from chief minister Mamata Banerjee and her party over claims that certain BJP officials who were going to Sandeshkhali with Suvendu Adhikari had referred to an IPS officer wearing a turban as a "Khalistani."

The chief minister uploaded a video clip on X featuring special superintendent of the Intelligence Branch Jaspreet Singh angrily denouncing the supposed remark made to him.


Prime Minister Narendra Modi was called upon to apologize by the Trinamul Congress.

Sikh community representatives, such as the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, Amritsar, denounced the occurrence, which forced the BJP to play damage management by denying it and claiming support for Sikhism.

In the video that Mamata shared, Singh can be heard protesting to the remarks made against him as Agnimitra Paul, a member of the BJP, continues to shout back at him, ordering him to carry out his police duties.

"The divisive politics of the BJP today have shamelessly crossed constitutional boundaries." Mamata added, "Everyone wearing a TURBAN is a KHALISTANI according to @BJP4India."

Mamata said, "I VEHEMENTLY CONDEMN this bold attempt to damage the legacy of our Sikhi Brothers and Sisters, honored for their SACRIFICES and UNWAVERING DETERMINATION to our country."

Singh is heard stating on the video, "You're claiming I'm a Khalistani?! I'll follow through on this!

"Are you saying this because I'm wearing a turban? Would you have referred to me as a Khalistani if I hadn't been wearing a turban? Say whatever you want to say about me as a police officer. He said, "You cannot speak against my religion," as Paul yelled at him.

"You do not perform the functions of a police officer! Take that action! Paul stated again and over. "I am not speaking against your religion," Singh said. You are unable to criticize me.

The IPS officer questioned Paul, arguing that no one had disparaged his faith, and asked, "Why did you say Khalistani?!?" That individual acted in this way.

Singh was prompted to answer again when Paul continued to rant at him and accuse him of grovelling before the ruling class, even as he attempted to leave, encouraged by his colleagues.

"On religion, nobody is commenting; you are the only one doing so. You are going to label me a Khalistani just because I am wearing a turban? Are you brave like this? Is a police officer who is spotted wearing a turban a Khalistani? Is this what you're at? because a policeman is carrying out his duties while wearing a turban?" questioned a clearly incensed Singh.

The Sikh community protested the statement in several regions of Bengal.

In a statement, the police showed support for Singh. The statement said, "This comment is as much communally inciting as it is malicious and racial."

Adhikari said that neither he nor those around him had ever disparaged any faith. Respect is due to Guru Nanak. We respect the Sikh religion," he said.

Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Press Time staff and has been published from a syndicated feed.