New Delhi: After a video showing West Bengal’s correctional homes minister Akhil Giri threatening a female forest officer went viral, Trinamool Congress has instructed him to quit and tender an unconditional apology.
After instructions of the party, state president Subrata Bakshi called Akhil Giri on Sunday afternoon, directing him to apologise to the woman officer and submit his resignation immediately, TMC spokesperson Shantanu Sen said.
In the video, Giri can be seen hurling verbal abuses against a state forest ranger Manisha Shaw, addressing her “beyadob” (discourteous) and a “janowar” (beast).
In the video, Giri can be heard as saying: “She (the officer) thinks she has too much power. You are a govt employee and always speak with your heads bowed down. Erokom beyadob, janowar ranger asheni (never has such a discourteous and a beast of a ranger come here). You will understand only when hit by a stick.”
Giri also said: “You only have seven, eight, 10 days… I know there’s rampant corruption in the forest department. I will reveal everything out in the state assembly…”
Shaw replied: “Sir, I have nothing personal against either you or them, I am just carrying out my duty.”
Following the party’s instructions, Giri said there was “no question of apologising to any official”. However, he said he regretted his remarks, adding that he would email his resignation tonight and hand it over personally to chief minister Mamata Banerjee tomorrow in the Assembly.
Jaiprakash Majumdar, a TMC spokesperson, underlined that Giri’s behaviour had tarnished the party’s image. In 2022, Giri had made some controversial remarks about President Droupadi Murmu for which he drew a flak.
What was the incident about?
Manisha Shaw and her team was involved in removing encroachments from the department’s land near the Tajpur sea beach in the Purba Medinipur district. Meanwhile, Giri arrived at the spot and an argument between the two ensued. In the video, the Trinamool leader can be heard threatening the officer. While hurling some derogatory words, he also said, “If you interfere in this issue again, I will ensure that you won’t be able to return. These goons will ensure that you won’t be able to go home at night.”
