Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Minorities Commission Seeks Report on Alleged Religious Discrimination Claims
The National Commission for Minorities is examining a complaint from MP Mahua Moitra.
She says three senior Muslim officers in West Bengal were kept out of some official events.
These events were connected to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visits in July and August 2026.
The officers reportedly included a police commissioner and two other senior officials.
Moitra says religion was the common reason they were excluded.
The complaint describes alleged exclusions from meetings, receptions and other engagements.
The Commission has asked the West Bengal government to explain what happened within 10 days.
The allegations have not yet been proven.
The Commission will consider the matter after receiving the government’s response.
The National Commission for Minorities sought a report from West Bengal’s chief secretary within 10 days.
Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra alleged that three senior Muslim officers were excluded from meetings involving Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The officers named were Siliguri Police Commissioner Syed Waquar Raza, Special Task Force chief Jawed Shamim and Additional Chief Secretary Khalil Ahmed.
The alleged exclusions reportedly occurred during Amit Shah’s July and August visits to West Bengal, including meetings, receptions and an exhibition.
The allegations have not been established, and the NCM is seeking the state government’s response before considering the matter further.
- Who
- The National Commission for Minorities, Mahua Moitra, three senior Muslim West Bengal officers, Amit Shah and the West Bengal government.
- What
- The NCM sought a report on allegations that senior Muslim IAS and IPS officers were excluded from official engagements involving Amit Shah.
- When
- The alleged incidents occurred during Amit Shah’s visits in July and August 2026; the NCM’s letter was dated September 21.
- Where
- West Bengal, including Siliguri and Kolkata.
- Why
- The NCM requested the state government’s account so it can examine allegations of religious discrimination under its statutory mandate.
Moitra’s Allegations
Government Response Pending
Exclusion from official engagements
Moitra’s Allegations
Moitra alleged that three senior Muslim officers were excluded from meetings and engagements during Amit Shah’s July and August visits to West Bengal.
Government Response Pending
The West Bengal government’s account has been formally requested, and the allegations remain unverified.
Role of religion
Moitra’s Allegations
Moitra argued that the officers’ religion was the common factor distinguishing them from colleagues who were allowed to participate.
Government Response Pending
No official response establishing or rejecting a connection between the decisions and religion had been reported at the time of the coverage.
Specific incidents
Moitra’s Allegations
The complaint alleged that officers were removed from or barred from meetings, reception and see-off arrangements, and an exhibition linked to new criminal laws.
Government Response Pending
The NCM has not made a finding and will consider the matter after receiving the state government’s report.
- Commission
- National Commission for Minorities
- Complainant
- Mahua Moitra, Trinamool Congress MP from Krishnanagar
- Government asked to respond
- West Bengal government
- Response deadline
- 10 days
- Officers named
- Syed Waquar Raza, Jawed Shamim and Khalil Ahmed
- Alleged basis of exclusion
- Religious discrimination based on the officers’ Muslim identity
- Status
- Allegations have not been established; the NCM is seeking the state’s response