Ex-CPI(M) MP Bansa Gopal Chowdhury accused of sexual harassment, obscene chats with woman leader goes viral

Former CPI(M) MP from West Bengal, Bansa Gopal Chowdhury, has been accused of sexual harassment by a woman party leader from Murshidabad. The woman, who is a former councillor of Jiaganj-Azimganj Municipality, has publicly shared screenshots of alleged obscene messages sent to her by Chowdhury through Facebook and WhatsApp. These screenshots have since circulated widely, prompting backlash against the senior leader.

According to the woman leader, Bansa Gopal Chowdhury regularly interacted with her social media posts and initially appeared supportive. However, she stated that in November 2023, he began sending her obscene messages late at night. She said she had interpreted the earlier interactions as encouragement from a senior party member, but the tone changed significantly. Following this, she claimed to have filed a complaint with the district CPI(M) secretary, but no action was taken.

In February, during the CPI(M) state conference, photographs of Chowdhury alongside state secretary Mohammed Salim and other party leaders began circulating. The woman then posted on social media, making the allegations public. She wrote, “ऐसा चरित्रहीन और लंपट व्यक्ति पार्टी के राज्य सम्मेलन का प्रतिनिधि कैसे हो सकता है?” (Translation: “How can such a characterless and lewd person be a representative at the party’s state conference?”)

The woman also alleged that the documents she had submitted to the party regarding the matter were being leaked. She said she was now concerned for her family's safety and added, “मैं डरी हुई हूं। मुझे पार्टी से कोई सुरक्षा नहीं मिल रही।” (Translation: “I am scared. I am not receiving any protection from the party.”)

Bansa Gopal Chowdhury has denied the allegations and called them politically motivated. He stated that some individuals both inside and outside the party are trying to defame him. CPI(M) state secretary Mohammed Salim has confirmed that the matter has been handed over to the party’s internal inquiry committee, and action will be taken based on the findings. Several other women members of the party have also expressed dissatisfaction and questioned the delay in action despite the availability of evidence.