West Bengal Police Accused Of Pulling Sikh Man’s Turban, Says It Fell Off; Delhi BJP Files Complaint; Punjab CM Amarinder Singh Shocked

National Commission for Minorities has taken note of a complaint filed by a Delhi BJP leader who has sought action into an incident where a Sikh man was attacked and his turban allegedly removed by the police during a rally in West Bengal's Howrah. A controversy had erupted on October 8 after the West Bengal police allegedly assaulted a Sikh man, identified as Balwinder Singh, and pulled his turban during a BJP rally in Howrah. The police, however, argued that the controversy had erupted on October 8 after the West Bengal police allegedly assaulted a 43-year-old Singh, and pulled his turban during a BJP rally in Howrah as the man carrying a firearm and that his headgear "had fallen off automatically in the scuffle that ensued.” Delhi BJP spokesperson Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga on October 8 wrote a letter to Minorities Commission member Atif Rasheed, demanding "strictest possible" action in this regard. Singh, a resident of Bhatinda, is a former Indian Army soldier and currently works as a private security officer of a BJP leader, the party leadership claimed. BJP, whose protest march to the state secretariat Nabanna on October 8 witnessed clashes with police, has accused the Trinamool Congress government of hurting the sentiments of Sikhs. TMC had dubbed the allegations as "baseless" and said accused the BJP of "trying to communalise the issue.” Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has expressed shock at the "humiliating treatment" of a Sikh man by the police in West Bengal. Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal also condemned the "vicious attack". Hours after the attack, the West Bengal Police said it never intended to hurt the sentiments of any community. West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar said the recent incident involving a Sikh man, whose turban was allegedly pulled by the police, was a matter of "disgrace" and assured members of the community that necessary action would be taken in this regard.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 12, 2020 07:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).