Opposition parties, civil rights observers and social media users question police move after images of two Trinamool Congress Muslim leaders being taken to alleged crime scenes in casual clothing
KOLKATA — A fresh political controversy has erupted in West Bengal after police escorted Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sheikh Abdul Alim, popularly known as Al Razi, to multiple locations linked to ongoing criminal investigations while he was dressed in a sleeveless vest and shorts.
The development comes a day after similar images of former TMC leader Jahangir Khan being taken to various locations by police during an investigation triggered widespread criticism.
Photographs and videos of both leaders being escorted by police personnel have circulated widely on social media, raising questions about whether investigative procedures were conducted in accordance with established legal and constitutional norms.
The latest controversy centres on Al Razi, a prominent TMC figure from Nandigram in East Midnapore district.
According to police, he is under investigation in several cases linked to alleged post-election violence, vandalism and attacks on political workers following the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections.
Officials said Al Razi surrendered before authorities on 9 June and was later produced before a court in Haldia, which granted police custody for further investigation.
On Friday, investigators escorted him to multiple locations connected with the cases. Videos circulating online show him being taken through different areas in casual attire, accompanied by a heavy police presence.
The visuals sparked intense debate, with many questioning whether such actions amounted to public humiliation of an accused person before the conclusion of legal proceedings.
Some social media users described the exercise as an attempt to publicly shame the accused, while others argued that police were carrying out routine procedures necessary for evidence collection.
Police sources said investigators first took Al Razi to the Bankim More area, where incidents of alleged violence against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers were reported after the 2021 Assembly polls.
Authorities allege that houses and shops were attacked in the area and are examining the role of Al Razi and others in those incidents. The team later visited Garh Chakraberia market and other locations linked to the case.
Investigators also took him to Kalicharanpur, where inquiries are underway into political violence related to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. A woman, Rathibala Adi, reportedly died during that period of unrest, and police claim Al Razi is among those named in the case.
At several locations, local residents gathered in large numbers. Witnesses said slogans were raised, prompting police to deploy additional personnel to maintain order.
The BJP said Al Razi’s surrender was the result of mounting legal pressure and maintained that the law should take its course, with all allegations investigated thoroughly.
The controversy follows a similar incident involving Jahangir Khan. On 11 June, police escorted Khan to multiple locations in South 24 Parganas district in connection with an alleged extortion case.
Investigators reportedly took him to his residence and a local TMC office while conducting searches and reconstructing events. Police said such visits are part of standard investigative procedure.
Khan was arrested on 8 June near the Nepal border by the State Special Task Force. Police alleged he was attempting to flee when detained. He faces multiple cases registered at Falta Police Station.
The back-to-back incidents involving two high-profile TMC leaders have triggered a wider debate on police practices and the treatment of accused persons.
Legal experts note that while Indian law permits police to take accused persons to crime scenes for reconstruction and evidence gathering with court approval, constitutional safeguards require that their dignity be maintained.
Human rights advocates argue that investigative actions should not create the impression of punishment before guilt is established.
“The principle of due process requires that every accused person be treated fairly, regardless of political affiliation, religion or social status,” a legal observer said.
The issue has also reached the judiciary. In recent hearings on similar allegations, the Calcutta High Court sought explanations from the state government over claims that arrested individuals were being publicly paraded.
The court observed that while police have the authority to investigate, actions that unnecessarily undermine an individual’s dignity may raise legal concerns.
Political analysts say the controversy could further deepen polarisation in West Bengal.
While supporters of the ruling establishment argue that investigations into political violence must proceed without interference, critics insist that law enforcement agencies must ensure professionalism and avoid any perception of political targeting.
For now, the images of Jahangir Khan and Al Razi being escorted by police have become a major flashpoint, adding another layer of tension to West Bengal’s charged political climate.
