Controversial Clash: Minister Giri vs Forest Officials

West Bengal minister Akhil Giri faced backlash after being caught on video threatening and abusing a woman forest official over the removal of illegal encroachments in Purba Medinipur. The BJP demanded his arrest, while the TMC condemned his actions but did not endorse them.

West Bengal minister Akhil Giri on Saturday saw himself embroiled in controversy after video footage showed him verbally abusing and threatening a female forest department official and her team over anti-encroachment actions in Purba Medinipur district.

The BJP, sharing the video on social media platform X, has called for Giri's arrest, a demand not supported by the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), which however expressed disapproval of his conduct.

Accompanied by locals, Giri confronted Manisha Sahu, a ranger, about the removal of illegal shops from forest land in Tajpur, threatening her with consequences for her stay. Sources confirmed the forest department will report the incident to higher authorities, as the TMC leadership, including CM Mamata Banerjee, monitors the situation closely.

(With inputs from agencies.)