Fri Jun 20 19:37:41 UTC 2025: **News Article Summary:**

A political dispute has erupted in Kolkata concerning the Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja, organized by BJP leader Sajal Ghosh. Ghosh alleges that police are unfairly targeting his committee following the unveiling of their “Operation Sindoor” theme. He claims he received a letter containing new safety directives shortly after the theme announcement, which he believes is discriminatory. Kolkata Police deny the allegations, stating the letter was a routine follow-up on standard safety and crowd management protocols outlined in a previous communication from May. Police emphasize the importance of crowd control measures, citing issues from the previous year’s event related to congestion and restricted flow due to a light-and-sound show. The police also claim that the Puja Committee had acknowledged the concerns in a reply sent on June 18 and expressed willingness to comply.

**News Article:**

**Kolkata Durga Puja Sparks Controversy: BJP Leader Accuses Police of Targeting Committee**

KOLKATA, INDIA – A political storm is brewing over the Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja in Kolkata, organized by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sajal Ghosh. Ghosh has publicly accused the Kolkata Police of unfairly targeting his committee after the unveiling of their theme, “Operation Sindoor.”

Ghosh claims he received a letter from the Muchipara Police Station with a new set of safety directives just days after the theme was announced. He alleges this is a targeted effort to harass the committee. “I want to ask, how many Durga Pujas in West Bengal were sent this same notice? I am sure no other,” Ghosh said, suggesting unequal treatment.

However, Kolkata Police have vehemently denied the accusations. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Kolkata), Indira Mukherjee, issued a statement on Friday, calling Ghosh’s claims “factually incorrect and misleading.” The police assert that the letter was a routine follow-up to an earlier communication sent on May 14, outlining standard crowd management protocols, including increased CCTV surveillance, wider exits, and a ban on light-and-sound shows.

“This communication was made well before the Puja theme was even announced,” the police stated. The follow-up letter reportedly reiterated these concerns, emphasizing the need for improved crowd flow and acknowledging that last year’s event experienced significant congestion due to poor channelization and the light-and-sound show.

The police also revealed that the Puja Committee had acknowledged the concerns in a reply sent on June 18 and expressed willingness to comply.

The Santosh Mitra Square Durga Puja is known for its elaborate and religiously themed pandals. In 2023, the pandal was a replica of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The current controversy highlights the heightened sensitivity surrounding religious festivals in a politically charged environment. Authorities are urging all parties to focus on ensuring a safe and successful celebration for all attendees.

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