Tanmoy Bhattacharya denies harassment allegations, calls CPM suspension unfortunate and unjust

Following the suspension of former MLA Tanmoy Bhattacharya from the Communist Party of India (Marxist), he has issued a detailed response to the harassment allegations brought against him by a female journalist. The controversy erupted after the journalist posted a video on social media alleging that Bhattacharya engaged in inappropriate behavior during an interview at his residence, specifically stating that he sat on her lap while questioning her about seating arrangements. This incident has led to widespread public scrutiny and prompted discussions about workplace conduct and accountability.

Bhattacharya's suspension was announced by CPM state secretary Mohammad Selim, who indicated that the party’s internal complaints committee would conduct a thorough investigation into the claims. Selim emphasized the importance of addressing such serious allegations, stating, "The committee will look into the matter and recommend appropriate actions based on its findings."

In his defense, Bhattacharya expressed disappointment with the CPM’s decision, describing it as "unfortunate" and suggesting that an accusation alone should not warrant immediate suspension. He argued that the party should have awaited the findings of the internal investigation before taking disciplinary action. “If the party believes that a girl's accusation necessitates suspension, then they have done the right thing, but this sets a troubling precedent for future cases,” he remarked.

The former MLA also raised questions about the timing and credibility of the allegations, noting that the journalist had previously conducted multiple interviews at his home without incident. He questioned why she chose to come forward with these allegations after a significant delay, saying, “If she was truly distressed, why didn’t she report it to the police?”

As the investigation proceeds, the female journalist has formally filed a complaint against Bhattacharya at the Barahnagar police station, which adds a legal dimension to the ongoing situation.