Kolkata, Oct. 29 -- Hasan MLA Kajal Sheikh has sought the intervention of West Bengal Assembly Speaker Rathindra Basu after his two personal security guards were withdrawn on Thursday, raising concerns over his safety amid political tensions in Birbhum.
Sheikh attended a standing committee meeting at the Assembly with the two policemen but claimed that, after he entered the building, they were instructed to report to Suri. He subsequently approached the Speaker seeking protection and appealed to party leaders to ensure his safety.
Meanwhile, police raided the houses of Sheikh's nephews in Birbhum on Thursday evening and seized pistols and ammunition. The two men were reportedly absconding and face allegations of possessing illegal arms.
Sheikh belongs to the rebel camp of Trinamool Congress legislators led by Ritabrata Banerjee. He recently interacted with senior MAITC MLA Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay at the Assembly, exchanging Bijoya greetings and sweets, fuelling speculation about his political positioning.
Sheikh has maintained that he was elected on a ticket given by Mamata Banerjee and that she remains his leader. He reportedly expressed apprehension that his political stance could expose him to an attack.
The withdrawal of his security comes amid a wider review of protection for political leaders following the change of government in Bengal. Sheikh had previously received Y-category security, subsequently upgraded to Y-plus, before his protection was scaled down after the Assembly elections.
There was no official comment on the withdrawal or any indication that it was linked to Sheikh's recent political interactions. It also remained unclear whether the decision followed a fresh threat assessment.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.