Suspended over Abhaya case protest, govt employee reinstated after nearly two years

A government employee who was suspended during the previous administration after participating in protests demanding justice in the Abhaya case has been reinstated and has rejoined duty after nearly two years. Shubhankar Bandyopadhyay resumed work at the Kanksa BDO office in West Bardhaman district and was welcomed by colleagues and members of the Joint Struggle Forum.

The reinstatement follows an assurance reportedly given by the Chief Minister to representatives of the forum that suspended employees associated with the movement would be allowed to return to service. Shubhankar’s return is among the first such developments involving employees who were suspended in connection with the protest movement.

Speaking after rejoining duty, Shubhankar said he had participated in the protests to demand justice in the Abhaya case and to raise issues concerning the rights of government employees. He stated that he faced harassment, humiliation and hardship during the suspension period but continued to stand by the cause for which he had protested.

His wife, Chaiti Bandyopadhyay, said the family experienced significant difficulties during the period of suspension. She stated that despite the challenges, they remained confident that the matter would eventually be resolved and that he would return to service.

Despite his reinstatement, Shubhankar said he would continue to speak on issues he considers matters of justice and accountability. He maintained that the movement was not linked to any political party and was focused on the rights of government employees and concerns raised during the Abhaya case protests.