CP Manoj Verma orders investigation into 'removal of Ram Navami flag' row during Waqf protest

A video has surfaced from north Kolkata allegedly showing a saffron flag being forcibly removed from a private bus amid ongoing protests against the Waqf Act. According to BJP leaders, the incident occurred in Kolkata. In response to the growing controversy, Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma said that the Deputy Commissioner (Central) has been directed to investigate the incident. 

The flag in question was reportedly associated with Ram Navami celebrations. The video shows a visibly distressed bus driver surrounded by a group of people, allegedly pressured to take down the flag. The incident has triggered strong political reactions from several senior BJP leaders who have accused the state administration of remaining silent.

BJP MP Sukanta Majumdar stated, “A frenzied mob from one particular 'peace-loving' community surrounded a terrified Hindu bus driver and forced him to take down a saffron flag from his vehicle. Look at his face. He is scared, shaken, humiliated.” He further added, “This is what ‘secularism’ looks like in Mamata Banerjee's West Bengal – a state now rotten with fear, appeasement, and double standards.”

Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, condemned the act and referred to it as a direct attack on Hindu religious sentiments. He posted, “Shocking scenes from Swami Vivekananda's birthplace, Kolkata! A saffron flag, a symbol of courage, sacrifice and valor, got forcefully removed from a bus by a mob of radicals. Under Mamata Banerjee's watch, such acts go unchecked while the Police stand by silently.”

BJP MP Khargen Murmu alleged that the chief minister was “trying to turn West Bengal into Bangladesh” by fueling tensions between Hindus and Muslims. He also claimed that saffron flags were torn during demonstrations over the Waqf Act in the city. BJP leader Dilip Ghosh echoed similar sentiments and alleged that Ram Navami flags were being removed from vehicles, while flags of Hamas, Palestine, Syria, Pakistan, and ISI were tolerated.