Archive · 14 Sep 2026
Complaint Challenges IPS Officer’s Religious Greetings in Official Video
A complaint was made against police officer Bushra Bano about words she used in an official video.
She began with “Assalamualaikum,” used “Inshallah,” and ended with “Jazakallah.”
These are religious expressions associated with Islam.
The group making the complaint says government officers should appear religiously neutral when speaking officially.
It also questioned why she did not use phrases such as “Vande Mataram” or “Jai Hind.”
Bano is an IPS officer from the 2021 batch.
She was recently promoted and posted as an Additional Superintendent of Police in Kharagpur.
The complaint has been sent to West Bengal authorities for review.
Filing a complaint does not prove that she broke any rule.
The Hindu Legal Fund reportedly filed a complaint with the West Bengal Home Secretary against IPS officer Bushra Bano.
The complaint objects to Bano using “Assalamualaikum,” “Inshallah” and “Jazakallah” in an official video statement.
The complainant questioned whether a serving officer should use religious expressions in public official communication and noted the absence of “Vande Mataram” or “Jai Hind.”
Bano is a 2021-batch IPS officer recently promoted to Additional Superintendent of Police, Kharagpur, in West Midnapore.
The complaint does not establish misconduct, and any action will depend on the assessment of competent West Bengal authorities.
- Who
- The Hindu Legal Fund filed a complaint against IPS officer Bushra Bano.
- What
- The complaint challenges Bano’s use of religious greetings and expressions in an official video statement.
- When
- The article does not provide a specific filing date; it says Bano was promoted in June 2026.
- Where
- The complaint was filed with the West Bengal Home Secretary, and Bano is posted in Kharagpur, West Midnapore.
- Why
- The complainant argues that serving officers should maintain religious neutrality in official public communications.
Complaint’s Objections
Officer and Authority Perspective
Religious neutrality in official statements
Complaint’s Objections
The Hindu Legal Fund argues that a serving police officer representing the state should avoid religious expressions in official public communication and questioned the absence of “Vande Mataram” or “Jai Hind.”
Officer and Authority Perspective
The article does not report a response from Bushra Bano or a determination by West Bengal authorities that using the expressions violated any rule.
Whether misconduct has occurred
Complaint’s Objections
The complaint asks the West Bengal Home Department to review the matter and take appropriate action.
Officer and Authority Perspective
The allegations remain only allegations; filing the complaint itself does not establish misconduct, and competent authorities must decide whether action is warranted.
- Officer
- Bushra Bano, a 2021-batch IPS officer
- Complaint filed by
- The Hindu Legal Fund
- Authority approached
- West Bengal Home Secretary
- Expressions cited
- “Assalamualaikum,” “Inshallah” and “Jazakallah”
- Expressions mentioned by complainant
- “Vande Mataram” and “Jai Hind”
- Current posting
- Additional Superintendent of Police, Kharagpur, West Midnapore
- Earlier posting
- Additional Superintendent of Police, Hooghly Rural