CPI(M) lifts suspension of Tanmoy Bhattacharya after internal probe into journalist's allegations

CPI(M) has lifted the suspension of Tanmoy Bhattacharya, a district committee member from North 24 Parganas, after completing an internal investigation. Bhattacharya was suspended earlier this year following serious allegations made by a female journalist. The decision to revoke the suspension was confirmed by Mrinal Chakraborty, the District Secretary of CPI(M), who sent a message to the district's party group. Bhattacharya's suspension had been a subject of internal discussion and external political scrutiny since it was imposed.

The allegations against Bhattacharya surfaced when a female journalist accused him of inappropriate behavior during an interview. The journalist alleged that Bhattacharya suddenly sat on her lap without consent. This incident led to immediate action from the party, which suspended Bhattacharya pending an internal investigation. The police were also involved, and the incident was reported as part of the ongoing inquiry into the allegations.

In response to the suspension, Bhattacharya consistently denied the allegations and maintained that he had not acted inappropriately. He voiced his frustration with the internal investigation, stating that the decision to suspend him was "unfortunate" and that he had been forthcoming in his responses to the party’s inquiries. Bhattacharya further emphasized his long-standing commitment to left-wing ideology and expressed that his family had always been associated with such political values.

Following the completion of the internal investigation, CPI(M) decided to lift Bhattacharya’s suspension, clearing him to resume his regular party activities. The decision was made after a thorough review of the incident, with the party concluding that Bhattacharya would be allowed to participate in the party's operations again. The outcome of the investigation and the lifting of the suspension has raised questions about how such cases are handled within political organizations and the standards for accountability in such matters.

The lifting of the suspension has sparked further discussions within and outside the party. Trinamool Congress leader Kunal Ghosh publicly criticized CPI(M) for what he perceived as inconsistency in the handling of the issue, particularly in relation to the party's stance on similar allegations and its position on law enforcement bodies like the CBI. The issue continues to dominate political conversations in West Bengal, as it touches on the broader concerns about political integrity, accountability, and the treatment of serious allegations within parties.