Tanmoy Bhattacharya appears before police over harassment allegations

Former CPM MLA Tanmoy Bhattacharya has appeared before the police after being summoned to the Barahanagar police station following allegations of harassment made by a female journalist. The journalist lodged a formal complaint, claiming that Bhattacharya engaged in inappropriate behavior during an interview at his residence on October 26. In her statement, she detailed a series of events that she describes as unprofessional and unsettling.

According to the journalist's account, she and her cameraman arrived at Bhattacharya's home to conduct an interview. While discussing seating arrangements, the journalist claims Bhattacharya made several inappropriate comments. It is alleged that he questioned where he should sit and then unexpectedly sat on the journalist's lap, creating a highly uncomfortable situation. This incident was reportedly captured on video and subsequently shared on social media, prompting widespread outrage and discussion about the treatment of women in the workplace.

The allegations have drawn immediate reactions from political figures and the public alike. Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh publicly criticized the CPM, suggesting that such behavior reflects poorly on the party's integrity and values. In light of the allegations, the CPM leadership took swift action, announcing Bhattacharya's suspension from the party pending an internal investigation. A committee has been formed to review the complaint, gather evidence, and determine the appropriate course of action based on its findings.

In a statement regarding his suspension, Bhattacharya expressed disappointment, stating that the party should have considered his side of the story before taking such measures. He described the allegations as potentially part of a conspiracy, asserting, “If a girl complains and the party thinks it must suspend, then it has done the right thing.” His comments highlight the complex nature of allegations within political spheres and the challenges faced by parties in addressing such sensitive issues.

Following the police summons, Bhattacharya confirmed his intention to cooperate fully with the investigation. He arrived at the Barahanagar police station on a motorcycle and said he would refrain from commenting on the matter until after speaking with the investigating officer.