Rights group urges action against BSF constable for assault on Muslim man in West Bengal
Kolkata: Kolkata-based human rights NGO, MASUM, has called on India’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to take immediate action following an assault on Muslim businessman by an Indian Border Security Force (BSF) constable in West Bengal state of India.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Hasanur Gazi, a Muslim businessman from Hakimpur, was verbally abused, physically assaulted, and targeted with religious hatred by a BSF constable, identified as Kuldeep, on October 9, 2024, at the Tarali Mini BOP in West Bengal.
Gazi stated that the BSF constable stopped him while he was returning home on his motorcycle. He pulled Gazi’s beard, made derogatory comments about his faith, and dismantled his motorcycle, threatening false charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act despite Gazi presenting valid documentation.
Gazi filed complaints with local authorities, including the Block Development Officer and the Superintendent of Police in Basirhat, but has not received a response.
MASUM Secretary Kirity Roy has demanded a transparent investigation and immediate action from the NHRC, including compensation for Gazi’s damaged motorcycle, legal action against the constable, and protection for Gazi and other religious minorities in the area.
“This incident violates constitutional guarantees of equality and dignity,” Roy stated. “Such actions by Indian forces’ personnel undermine public trust and heighten communal tensions.”
