Controversy Erupts as TMC MP Claims Bengali Citizens Expelled from Odisha
Allegations of Discrimination in Nayagarh
Bhubaneswar: On Wednesday, TMC MP Mahua Moitra accused the BJP-led government in Odisha of expelling four Bengali-speaking Indians from Nayagarh district solely based on their ethnicity.
The Odisha Police refuted these claims, asserting that no orders were issued for anyone to vacate Nayagarh due to suspicions of being Bangladeshi infiltrators.
According to Nayagarh Superintendent of Police S Susree, if individuals left the area, it was a personal decision.
In a post on X, Moitra stated, "Attention @DGPOdisha @spnayagarh, you have unlawfully expelled four Bengali-speaking Indian citizens from Nayagarh district just because they are Bengalis."
She also indicated her intention to pursue legal action against this alleged violation of constitutional rights.
"There are countless Odia workers in Bengal whom we treat with kindness and respect. You will face consequences for your actions. Be warned," she added.
In another social media update, the MP claimed that the Odagaon police station had instructed four Bengali migrants, who are legitimate Indian citizens, to leave the district.
Moitra alleged that their landlord faced pressure to evict them, with threats of arrest, despite the SP of Murshidabad district in West Bengal confirming their identities.
In response, the Nayagarh SP clarified that the police were conducting routine identity checks on certain individuals in the district.
"No one has been given a deadline. We are simply verifying identities as part of our standard procedures. No coercion or ultimatum has been issued to anyone to leave," the SP stated.
The police officer noted that while some individuals may have departed during the verification process, others from their group remained and were cooperating.
Verification efforts at both police and administrative levels are ongoing, Susree confirmed.
Meanwhile, during the Odisha Assembly's Zero Hour, BJP MLA Sanatan Bijuli called for the expulsion of Bangladeshi infiltrators from the state, alleging their involvement in various criminal activities.