Serious lapse by State govt in Bangladeshi Tablighis' movement: Bengal Governor

NEW DELHI: After blaming the TMC government for laxity in its COVID-19 approach, West Bengal governor Jagdeep Dhankhar has now charged the TMC government of dishonouring Centre's lookout notices for Tablighi Jamat members from foreign countries who had flouted visa rules, and has alleged that the State government was turning a blind eye to instances of Bangladeshi Jamaat workers trying to leave India through Haridaspur check-post, also known as Petrapole, without following the due process of enquiry.
Dhankhar told ET that he had recently received reports that 19 Tablighi Jamaatis had to be offloaded at the Bureau of Immigration at the border a few days ago, and he has flagged the matter to the State government. The groups was however stopped and detained at the border, he said.

"These Bangladeshi nationals who were at quarantine centre in Madinat-ul-Hujjaj at New Town in Kolkata were being sent back to Bangladesh by bus. Upon their arrival at Haridaspur for departure for Bangladesh, it was noticed that there was a look-out notice against them. We found out that nearly 14 LOCs were initiated by DCP crime, New Delhi and five by investigating agencies in the State. DCP crime had already sent notices for the passengers to appear before office of crime branch within 7 days. That is when they were intercepted. This is a serious lapse," Dhankhar said.

TMC sources however refuted the charges saying "all rules are being followed" in letting people off institutional quarantine.

Laxmi Narayan Meena, Commissioner of Police, Bidhannagar, under whose jurisdiction the matter falls, said "the issue is being dealt with by the Intelligence Bureau."

Over the course of the past few years, India's Haridaspur Land Check Post has seen the third highest percentage of Bangladeshi tourist arrivals.

Dhankhar also said the State government has to work harder towards enforcing lockdown, particularly in containment zones. The State government on Saturday announced more relaxations, including opening up of malls, restaurants, tea gardens, jute mills, micro, small, medium and large industries, and the construction industry.

"To contain Covid effectively the model containment zones could be like what Harish Chatterjee street (CM residence is located )is today.. On several aspects we are cliff hanging. Opening of religious places, unless scrupulously regulated, may lead to unintended consequences. Same for other openings as well." he said.

The governor has also called for better handling of the migrant crisis by the State government. "It is unfortunate to call them COVID spreaders. I have urged the State Govt and would appeal at large that our sons and daughters returning home to their families should be made to feel welcome. The Govt needs to make available all essential amenities to them, and also ensure lockdown rules are not violated."