Kharagpur : The sudden transfer of a Muslim IPS officer has triggered a political furore in Bengal. Bushra Bano, a 2021-batch IPS officer was shunted on Monday. The government has described the move as a routine transfer, while the opposition asserted that it reeked of hate and bigotry. Bano, who was serving as Additional Superintendent of Police in Kharagpur, has now been posted as Deputy Commandant of the State Armed Police 4th Battalion.
In the video, the IPS officer starts with ‘Assalamu Alaikum (peace be upon you)’ before narrating how she prepared for the civil services after completing her PhD and returning from the Gulf. Born in Uttar Pradesh’s Kannauj, Bano completed her studies at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). She also credited the Residential Coaching Academy (RCA) at AMU for helping her prepare for UPSC. “She began with Assalamu Alaikum, used Inshallah (God willing), ended with Jazakallah (may God reward you) – and did not use Vande Mataram or Jai Hind.
A serving officer representing the Indian state should maintain neutrality and use national expressions in public communication. Seeking appropriate review and action,” the outfit said in a post on X. Bano was transferred days after the complaint, drawing massive criticism from opposition leaders. Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra slammed the Suvendu Adhikari-led governance for religious bias. She pointed out how the same BJP government set up separate prayer spaces inside the Bharat Mandapam during the BRICS Summit. “We are with you, Bushara,” Moitra said.
Several social media users and journalists have also compared the incident with that of Uttar Pradesh police officer Anuj Chaudhary. In 2025, Chaudhary, then posted as Circle Officer in Sambhal, was promoted to Firozabad ASP days after he was spotted participating in a yatra in uniform and carrying a mace. Chaudhary had gone viral for his communal remarks in 2025, when Holi coincided with Friday prayers. “Holi comes once a year, while Jumma comes 52 times. Those who avoid Holi should stay at home,” he had said, inviting criticism from the opposition.
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