Kolkata, 20 May (H.S.) : The West Bengal unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party has initiated disciplinary action against four party leaders accused of assaulting and intimidating a health official at a government health centre in Purulia district. Terming the incident “shameful,” the party has issued show-cause notices to the accused leaders and directed them to stay away from organisational activities until further orders.

The incident took place on May 12 at the Pathardi Health Centre in the Baghmundi block of Purulia, where BJP leaders allegedly harassed the Block Medical Officer of Health (BMOH). The matter triggered significant political controversy in the state.

According to allegations, the BJP leaders confronted the health official over why pregnant women from the area were allegedly being advised or referred to hospitals outside the state. During the confrontation, the official was reportedly threatened, abused, physically harassed, and obstructed from performing government duties.

Taking serious note of the matter after the Assembly election results, the state BJP leadership decided to issue show-cause notices to the accused leaders.

Among those served notices is Rakesh Mahato, a member of the Purulia Zilla Parishad and convenor of the BJP’s Baghmundi block unit. Show-cause notices have also been issued to Bijoymohan Singh, co-convenor of the Baghmundi block unit, Arunchandra Majhi, president of Mandal-4, and Mithun Kumar, president of the BJP Yuva Morcha unit in the area.

In the letters sent to the four leaders, the party leadership stated that allegations of intimidating a health official, using abusive language, physically assaulting him, and obstructing government work amounted to anti-party activities and violated organisational discipline.

The action was reportedly taken following recommendations by the BJP’s disciplinary committee and on the instructions of state BJP president and Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya.

The accused leaders have been barred from participating in party activities for the time being and have been asked to submit written explanations for their conduct within seven days.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh