Kolkata, October 9: The West Bengal police on Friday issued clarification a day after a Sikh man was allegedly manhandled during the Bharatiya Janata Party's mega protest in Kolkata on October 8. His turban was reportedly pulled when he was being taken into custody. The police said that the turban automatically fell off during a scuffle. The police added that the officer asked the 43-year-old man Balwinder Singh to put his turban back before the arrest.

However, the force alleged that Singh was carrying firearms. The West Bengal Police tweeted, “The concerned person was carrying firearms in yesterday’s protest. The Pagri had fallen off automatically in the scuffle that ensued, without any attempt to do so by our officer (visible in the video attached). It is never our intention to hurt the sentiments of any community.” The police also shared the video of the incident along with the tweet. Political Violence Stigmatising Bengal; Police Should Be Neutral: West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar

In another tweet, the West Bengal Police said, “West Bengal Police respects all religions. The officer specifically asked him to put his Pagri back before the arrest. The attached photo has been clicked right before he was escorted to the Police Station. We remain committed to our duty to uphold law and order in the state.” Video Proves Police Hurled Bombs on BJP Rally: Dilip Ghosh.

Tweet by West Bengal Police: 

Meanwhile, the BJP accused the police of hurting religious sentiments of Sikhs as turban of the man fell when he was being arrested. BJP state unit President Dilip Ghosh had said on Thursday that it was a licensed weapon and the person had all valid documents for carrying the firearm. "The police should release him as he is a security person and was carrying a licensed weapon," Ghosh had said during a press conference on Thursday. Punjab CM Expresses Shock over Sikh Man's Turban Being Pulled by West Bengal Cop.

Singh hailed from Bhatinda. He is the personal security guard of BJP leader Priyangu Pandey. After the video of the incident went viral on social, the controversy gathered so much momentum. Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh also took to Twitter to express his dissatisfaction over the incident. The ace spinner tagged West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in his post, saying: "Please have a look into this matter @MamataOfficia l. This isn't done."

According to reports, a 9 mm pistol was seized from Singh. The BJP held "Nabanna Chalo" protest against state government's orders banning large gatherings. The protesters were stopped midway. Police reportedly fired teargas.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 10, 2020 12:08 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).