Bangla Pokkho Defends Members Arrested for Heckling Job Aspirants Over Domicile Concerns

An organisation advocating for Bengali sub-nationalism stated on Saturday that two individuals were detained for intimidating and harassing two CISF job seekers from Bihar in Siliguri, West Bengal. The group claimed the arrests were made to prevent misuse of domicile quotas for central force jobs.

Garga Chatterjee, General Secretary of Bangla Pokkho, explained that the arrested individuals were active members of their organisation. They confronted the job aspirants to safeguard the interests of genuine West Bengal residents. Chatterjee accused some youths from Bihar and Jharkhand of obtaining fake domicile certificates, thereby depriving West Bengal youths of opportunities in CISF, CRPF, BSF, SSB, and other central forces.

Viral Video Sparks Arrests

A video allegedly showing Wednesday's incident surfaced online, depicting two youths from Bihar being harassed by a group demanding their documents. The clip gained traction on Thursday, leading to the arrest of Bangla Pokkho members. "Our two front-ranking activists did not work against the interest of the state. If people faking certificates get jobs in forces entrusted with internal security, it would spell danger for the nation," Chatterjee stated during a press conference.

Chatterjee asserted that while there was an argument between the Bihar youths and Bangla Pokkho members, no physical assault occurred. "Our only fault was the two arrested members of our organisation should not have said they were from the police or security forces. But they did not have any ill motive. We will fight the case legally," another member commented.

Call for Document Verification

Chatterjee urged authorities to establish camps at examination and interview centres for central force recruitment to verify candidates' documents. He pledged to continue advocating for the rights of local residents. An official from Siliguri Police Commissionerate confirmed that the arrested individuals are Siliguri residents associated with Bangla Pokkho.

The viral video prompted criticism from NDA leaders in Bihar towards West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her Trinamool Congress party over the incident.