Assam CM comments on Wajahat Khan case, raises doubts over Bengal police cooperation

Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding Wajahat Khan’s police complaint against Sharmishta Panoli, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday confirmed that a court in Assam has issued a warrant in connection with the case. 

However, he expressed scepticism over whether West Bengal Police would extend the necessary cooperation.

Speaking to the media, CM Sarma said, “The court of Assam has issued a warrant. It all depends on cooperation from the West Bengal Police. Assam Police is camping in Bengal, I doubt whether or not they will cooperate with Assam Police.”

Assam Police personnel have reportedly been stationed in West Bengal to follow through on the legal process, but the lack of coordination between the two state police departments has raised procedural hurdles.

After Kolkata police, Assam cops now seek to arrest Wajahat Khan in connection with a case filed against him for allegedly spreading hate speech and hurting religious sentiments. 

Also Read: SC notice on USTM validates flood link; this year's NEET results will surface Ajmal Foundation’s truth: Himanta

A police source told India Today that Wajahat’s father, Saadat Khan, was asked to appear before the investigating officer for questioning. However, he too was not at home when the team arrived.

Wajahat Khan has reportedly been missing since Sunday afternoon. His father told India Today that he has been untraceable since then. A senior Kolkata Police officer confirmed to the media outlet that Khan is "absconding" since the FIR was registered against him.

The Assam CM’s remarks have now drawn attention to the need for improved mechanisms of cooperation between state law enforcement agencies, especially in matters involving court-issued warrants.

There has been no official response yet from the West Bengal Police regarding the matter.