West Bengal Police on Friday issued a clarification after a video went viral where state Police were seen manhandling a Sikh man, disrespecting his turban and pulling him by his hair during Bengal BJP march.
The West Bengal police said, “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. It is never our intention to hurt the sentiments of any community.”
“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,” police added.
Reacting to the clarification issued by Bengal Police, President, Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, Manjinder Singh Sirsa said, “This explanation does not undo the hurt caused by the insensitivity and brutality of West Bengal police. We want exemplary action against the airing police officers who unleashed their barbarism on Balwinder Singh. We want justice for the disrespect meted out to turban.”
The video went viral after the person, identified as Balvinder Singh, was held by the state police during BJP’s protest march to the state secretariat on Thursday.
Shiromani Akali Dal Chief, Sukhbir Singh Badal had condemned the incident and said, “Strongly condemn the vicious attack on a Sikh security official Balwinder Singh & disrespect of his #turban by West Bengal Police. The dishonour has infuriated Sikhs across the world. I urge @MamataOfficial ji to take exemplary action against the erring policemen.”
Cricketer Harbhajan Singh also reacted to the incident and said, “Plz have a look into this matter @MamataOfficial this isn’t done”
Meanwhile, BJP state unit president Dilip Ghosh said that Balvinder Singh is the security person and was carrying a licensed weapon and had all valid documents for carrying the firearm. The police should release him.
