On Monday, Jagannath Sarkar, BJP MP from Ranaghat, alleged that he was stopped by the police from paying homage to Army jawan Subodh Ghosh, at his residence in West Bengal’s Nadia district, (Raghunathpur village) late on Sunday night. Late Jawan Ghosh was killed in action last Friday along with three other soldiers, in ceasefire violations by Pakistan in Baramulla sector of J&K. West Bengal government, however, has dismissed the allegation by the BJP MP.

Sarkar said, “The police heckled and insulted me in front of the public. It is very unfortunate and sad that in this state the police are acting like party cadres”.  He further alleged that he was prevented from entering the house for nearly 30 minutes by the police before being allowed to go inside to pay his respects to the soldier.

Taking note of the incident and the allegation by the BJP MP, the governor of Bengal, Jagdeep Dhankar criticized the police for the alleged heckling. He elaborated, “On November 15 at around 2330 Hrs, the last rite ceremony of Shri Subodh Ghosh, resident of Raghunathpur, (PS – Tehatta, District – Nadia) was performed at Palassy crematorium, Nadia. Prior to that, the dead body of the martyred soldier was brought by the Army officials as per military protocol and it reached at Raghunathpur village (PS-Tehatta) and the body was placed at a ground, near his house to pay tribute to the brave soldier and for wreath giving ceremony. During the wreath giving ceremony of Shri Subodh Ghosh, MP Jagganath Sarkar was obstructed to enter ‘Shahid Bedi/Manch’ by the police officials without any valid reasons.” It must be noted that Dhankar has been known for his pro-BJP stand against the TMC.

Martyred soldier Subodh Ghosh was cremated with full state honours after family members, villagers and government officials paid their respects.

Jagannath Sarkar stated, “I had gone to pay floral respects to the soldier and there was no politics involved in it, but still I was prevented by the police.” He further added, “I was not allowed to enter for about 20 to 30 minutes by the police.”

No complaint was, however, lodged in connection with the incident, and the police did not comment on it.

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP from Krishnanagar, Mahua Moitra also visited Ghosh’s house and met his family. The TMC leadership and the Nadia district administration refused to comment on the matter. Refuting the allegation, a senior government official described the scenario as a simple misunderstanding.

The author is a student member of Amity Centre of Happiness