Kolkata, 17 June (H.S.):

BJP West Bengal president and Balurghat MP Sukanta Majumdar has issued a public apology over the controversial incident involving a Sikh CISF officer, which triggered outrage among the Sikh community. The incident took place on June 12 during a BJP protest outside Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's residence in Kolkata’s Kalighat area.

A video of the protest, which went viral on social media, showed a slipper-shaped cutout landing on the turban of a Sikh policeman. The clip sparked anger among Sikh groups across several districts, prompting multiple gurdwaras to file FIRs against Majumdar and demand an unconditional apology.

Initially dismissing the controversy as a “political conspiracy”, Majumdar had resisted calls for an apology. However, facing mounting pressure, he released a statement on 'X' (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, expressing regret for the incident.

“In a moment of agitation, a placard thrown towards the police accidentally landed on the sacred turban of a Sikh CISF officer deployed for my security,” Majumdar wrote. “If this unintended act has hurt the religious sentiments of any Sikh brother or sister, I offer my sincere and humble apology.”

He added that both he and his party hold deep respect for all faiths, especially the sanctity of the turban and the proud traditions of the Sikh community.

Despite his clarification, Sikh organisations across the state strongly condemned the incident. Many highlighted that the turban, or 'dastaar', is not merely a religious symbol but also represents the spirit, discipline, and dignity of the Sikh identity. Therefore, the act was widely viewed as deeply disrespectful to their community.

Earlier, Majumdar had claimed that a police officer had pushed him, causing the placard to fall, and insisted that the concerned Sikh officer had raised no objection. However, these explanations failed to pacify community leaders.

Amid mounting political heat and emotional appeals from the Sikh community, Majumdar’s apology is being seen as a damage-control measure to defuse the controversy.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh