CPI(M) leader Tanmay Bhattacharya faces internal committee over female journalist harassment allegations

CPI(M) leader Tanmay Bhattacharya appeared before the party’s internal investigation committee today in connection with allegations of harassment made by a female journalist. Bhattacharya, a former MLA from the Left party, arrived at Alimuddin Street, Kolkata, at approximately 12:26 PM. When asked about his appearance before the committee, he stated, “The party called me, so I came,” and further clarified that he did not have any personal complaints. The committee is examining allegations made by the journalist, who claimed that Bhattacharya behaved inappropriately during an interview on October 27.

The internal investigation is being led by a three-member committee comprising Anju Kar, a senior CPI(M) leader; Sumit Dey, district secretary of Nadia; and Shyamali Pradhan, a former CPI(M) MLA from Nanur. The committee has been tasked with investigating the allegations, gathering statements from both parties involved, and determining whether Bhattacharya’s actions violated the party's code of conduct. The committee's focus includes understanding the nature of the interaction between Bhattacharya and the journalist, and verifying the journalist's claims.

Bhattacharya was scheduled to appear before the committee at 12:30 PM but arrived slightly earlier at 12:26 PM. The committee members had already arrived earlier in the day and had begun conducting preliminary discussions with other CPI(M) officials. According to sources, the committee has started interviewing other individuals involved or with knowledge of the incident. The focus of the investigation is to ascertain the sequence of events on the day of the interview and Bhattacharya's subsequent comments, which have fueled public debate. Bhattacharya is expected to provide his version of events and respond to the journalist's allegations.

The incident came to light after the female journalist posted a Facebook message detailing her allegations against Bhattacharya. In her post, she accused him of making unwelcome advances during the interview. The allegations led to a police complaint, with the journalist asserting that she was subjected to inappropriate behavior while conducting the interview. The controversy has led to strong reactions from political circles, with the ruling TMC party launching a direct attack on Bhattacharya and CPI(M). Several party leaders have demanded swift action, while the CPI(M) has faced mounting pressure to clarify its stance. Following the allegations, the police initiated an investigation into the matter, and a formal complaint has been lodged. The committee is expected to finalize its report after gathering all statements and evidence.