CPM leader Tanmoy Bhattacharya was called to Baranagar Police Station on Monday afternoon in connection with a harassment allegation brought against him by a female journalist. According to police sources, Bhattacharya was interrogated for nearly three hours. After returning home, he held a press conference addressing the allegations against him. In the evening, the female journalist was also summoned to the police station, where investigators recorded her statement to gather further details about the incident that took place on Sunday morning.
The incident allegedly occurred when the journalist approached Bhattacharya for an interview. She later reported the alleged harassment to Baranagar Police on Sunday night, leading to the CPM’s decision to suspend the leader pending investigation. The CPM leader has been summoned to the police station again on Wednesday, as the investigation continues to unfold.
Before this, Baranagar Police ensured they had a complete account from the female journalist to prepare thoroughly for the next round of questioning with Bhattacharya. The journalist’s complaint states that Bhattacharya behaved inappropriately, allegedly attempting to sit on her lap before the interview commenced. However, the CPM leader has categorically denied these allegations, insisting that the journalist is fabricating the incident.
At his press conference on Monday afternoon, Bhattacharya commented on the allegation, saying, “I weigh 83 kilos. If I had actually sat on her lap, do you think she would have been unharmed?” He further asserted that the accusations, which the journalist made on social media, are entirely false.
The allegation, first made public through a Facebook Live by the journalist on Sunday afternoon, quickly went viral across social media platforms, triggering a political storm. As the controversy gained momentum, senior CPM officials voiced their concerns. CPM State Secretary Mohammad Salim stated that the party could not condone such actions under any circumstances. He confirmed that Bhattacharya’s suspension was necessary to uphold the party’s principles, asserting, “Tanmoy has acted disgracefully, and the CPM as a party will not stand by this behavior. We do not condone misconduct or allow leniency in such cases.” Salim added that an internal complaint committee within the party (ICC) would examine the allegations and decide on further actions.
The political climate around the incident has intensified, with both the Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) expressing their views on the matter. Trinamool spokesperson Kunal Ghosh demanded Bhattacharya’s immediate arrest and questioned the CPM’s stance on such accusations. Meanwhile, the Leader of the Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, emphasized that the complaint should be taken seriously, stating, “The allegations deserve a thorough, impartial investigation. Unfortunately, the neutrality of investigations under Trinamool rule has often been questioned. I believe the CPM’s status as an opposition party is uncertain, but they need to address this sincerely.”
In the midst of this controversy, the journalist posted on social media Monday evening, expressing her frustration with political interference. She wrote, “I don’t believe any political party has the right to judge this matter. If they did, we would not need courts or the legal system; we could simply resolve every issue in community meetings. This is not the time for politics; it’s time for social reform. I have filed my complaint with the police, and I trust they will take appropriate action.”
Police sources indicate that the investigative team at Baranagar Police Station is fully prepared to address the matter comprehensively. Based on the journalist’s detailed statement and other gathered evidence, they plan to conduct a complete review of the situation and carry out necessary steps for a fair investigation.
The incident has cast a shadow over CPM, creating significant discomfort within the party. The leadership appears committed to upholding its standards of accountability, yet some members worry about the party’s reputation in the face of the controversy. Mohammad Salim expressed regret over the situation, explaining, “Our party is built on principles that reject misconduct. We must act decisively and set a clear example. This is not behavior we can defend.” The internal complaint committee’s findings will likely play a decisive role in the party’s response.
This controversy has led to debates within CPM circles and beyond, with many supporters left disappointed and bewildered. Political analysts suggest that while CPM’s disciplinary action reflects its commitment to ethical conduct, the case highlights deep-seated issues within the party that have yet to be addressed.