Baruipur IC, 2 others suspended over alleged assault on BJP candidate

West Bengal Police has suspended Baruipur Police Station Inspector-in-Charge Samar De along with two other police personnel over allegations of assaulting BJP candidate Biswajit Pal from the Baruipur West Assembly constituency. The alleged incident took place on May 5, a day after the Assembly election results were declared, and later triggered political controversy after a video related to the incident circulated on social media.

According to the allegations, tension had escalated in the Baruipur West area following complaints of vandalism allegedly carried out by BJP workers. Police personnel from Baruipur Police Station reportedly encountered Biswajit Pal before reaching the alleged site of vandalism. The BJP alleged that despite there being no evidence linking him to any disturbance, police officials physically assaulted him on the road and later forced him into a police vehicle.

Videos circulating on social media allegedly showed police officials, including IC Samar De, involved in a scuffle with the BJP candidate. The BJP claimed the incident reflected misuse of police power against opposition representatives after the election results. Party leaders condemned the incident and demanded immediate action against the officials involved.

Following a written complaint submitted by Biswajit Pal, the state police initiated an internal inquiry into the matter. Based on the investigation, Samar De, Sub-Inspector Sukumar Ruidas and another police personnel were suspended. Police authorities stated that a departmental inquiry had begun and that relevant video footage, eyewitness accounts and internal reports were being examined as part of the investigation.

The incident intensified political debate regarding the role of the police following the Assembly elections in West Bengal. Opposition leaders alleged that opposition workers and representatives were being selectively targeted, while the ruling side stated that the matter should not be judged before completion of the official investigation. Biswajit Pal later stated that he had been unjustly humiliated and demanded strict action against those found responsible.