The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has called for the dismissal of West Bengal Minister Akhil Giri following an incident in which he allegedly abused a female forest department officer. The confrontation occurred while the officer and her team were addressing illegal encroachments at the Tajpur Sea Resort in East Midnapore district.
Koustav Bagchi, a state BJP leader and Calcutta High Court counsel, has formally requested Governor C.V. Ananda Bose to initiate the process for Giri’s removal from office. In his letter, Bagchi described Giri as a “habitual offender,” referencing a previous controversy involving derogatory remarks about President Droupadi Murmu.
“Shri Giri, known for making misogynist and derogatory comments, has now threatened a female officer of the West Bengal Forest Department with severe consequences and used offensive language towards her,” Bagchi’s letter stated, a copy of which was obtained by IANS. “His previous remarks about President Murmu led to widespread controversy and an apology, but it seems he has not changed his behavior.”
Damage Control Mode
In response, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has moved into damage control mode. TMC leader Kunal Ghosh issued a statement condemning Giri’s behavior and emphasizing that the party does not support such conduct.
West Bengal Minister of State for the Forest Department (Independent Charge) Birbaha Hansda has personally contacted the aggrieved forest officer to gather information about the incident. Sources within the party indicated that Minister Hansda expressed her dissatisfaction with the matter.
A video purportedly capturing the incident has gone viral on social media. In the footage, Giri was using abusive language and making threats towards the forest officer. “You are a government employee; bow down your head while speaking to me,” Giri is heard saying. He then threatens the officer with physical violence, saying, “See what happens to you within a week… Mend your ways. You will see what happens when people beat you with sticks.”
Giri’s remarks reportedly stemmed from an issue with the forest department’s enforcement actions, which included demolishing local shops late at night amid heavy rain. The officer defended her actions, asserting that she was performing her duty. Giri responded with further criticism, questioning the necessity of the night-time enforcement.
