West Bengal 16/sep /26 : IPS officer Bushra Bano, who was serving as Additional Superintendent of Police in Kharagpur, West Bengal, was transferred days after a complaint was reportedly filed over a video in which she used the greeting “Assalamualaikum” while speaking about her journey to the civil services.
Bano, who has cleared the UPSC Civil Services Examination twice, was discussing her preparation for the examination and the role of coaching at Aligarh Muslim University. In the video, she also encouraged students from minority communities to pursue competitive examinations.
According to reports, the Hindu Legal Fund approached the West Bengal Home Secretary, alleging that Bano’s remarks reflected religious bias. Shortly afterward, she was transferred from her post as Additional SP and appointed Deputy Commandant of the State Armed Police.
The West Bengal government has not publicly stated that the transfer was disciplinary or that it was linked to the complaint. Two other officials were also transferred during the same period.
The episode has triggered a wider debate over the use of religious greetings by public officials. It has also raised questions about the balance between institutional neutrality and an individual’s cultural or personal expression.
The circumstances surrounding the transfer remain subject to the official position of the West Bengal government and any further clarification from the authorities.
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