TMC MP Accuses Odisha Police of Unjustly Expelling Bengali Traders

TMC MP Mahua Moitra has accused the Odisha police of unlawfully expelling four Bengali-speaking traders, claiming they were targeted due to their ethnicity. This allegation has ignited a political firestorm, with the BJP responding by labeling her claims as false and questioning her motives. The police have denied any wrongdoing, asserting that no deadlines were imposed on individuals suspected of being infiltrators. Moitra has threatened legal action over alleged constitutional violations, while the BJP insists on the need to address the issue of Bangladeshi infiltrators in the state. The situation continues to unfold, raising questions about civil rights and political accountability.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 4, 2025, 09:18 IST

Allegations Against Odisha Police

On Wednesday, Mahua Moitra, a Member of Parliament from the Trinamool Congress, accused the police in Nayagarh district, Odisha, of forcibly removing four Bengali-speaking Muslim traders, despite their Aadhaar and voter ID cards confirming their Indian citizenship. In a video message, Moitra warned the authorities, stating, 'You will have to pay for your actions. Be cautious.' The Trinamool Congress had previously alleged that the Odisha police were arbitrarily detaining and harassing Bengali-speaking migrant workers, although state officials have dismissed these claims.

BJP Responds to Moitra's Claims

In response, the BJP criticized Moitra for making 'false' claims that could harm the amicable relations between neighboring states. The Odisha police also refuted the allegations, asserting that they had not set any deadline for individuals suspected of being Bangladeshi infiltrators to leave Nayagarh district, nor had they ordered anyone to depart. The Superintendent of Police (SP) of Nayagarh stated that if some individuals left the district, it was of their own volition.

Legal Threats and Constitutional Violations

Moitra threatened to approach the court regarding the alleged violation of constitutional norms. She emphasized that millions of Odia people work in Bengal, including cooks, gardeners, and plumbers, and are treated with love and respect. She reiterated that the police would have to face consequences for their actions. In another social media post, she accused the Odagaon police station in Nayagarh of instructing four Bengali migrants, who are legitimate Indian citizens, to leave the district solely because of their Bengali identity.

Pressure on Landlords and Ongoing Verification

Moitra claimed that her landlord was pressured to evict her and was threatened with arrest, despite the Superintendent of Police from Murshidabad district in West Bengal having verified her identity. The Nayagarh SP responded to these allegations, stating that the police were conducting identity verification of certain individuals in the district. The SP clarified that no one had been given a deadline, and the verification process was ongoing.

BJP's Stance on Infiltration

Anil Biswal, a spokesperson for the BJP's Odisha unit, remarked that the state government is committed to expelling Bangladeshi infiltrators. He questioned Moitra's sympathy towards them, alleging that the Trinamool Congress has consistently protected infiltrators, jeopardizing the nation's internal security. He asserted that the people of Odisha do not require advice from 'anti-national elements.' Meanwhile, during zero hour in the Odisha Assembly, BJP MLA Sanatan Bijuli demanded the expulsion of Bangladeshi infiltrators, accusing them of engaging in various criminal activities, including theft and 'love jihad.' Another BJP MLA, Santosh Khatua, stated that Moitra has no right to speak in favor of infiltrators, emphasizing that an elected representative should not oppose the government's actions against them.