Mamata bans IPS officer’s book critical of her Muslim policy

The Mamata Banerjee-led government in West Bengal has banned controversial IPS officer Nazrul Islam's book, Musalmander Ki Karaniya (What Muslims Should Do), in which he has highlighted the alleged plight of Muslims in the state and the "double standard" of the present government in "improving" their condition.

The book, which was released a month ago, has been published by Kolkata-based publisher Mitra and Ghosh.

On Saturday, officials from the Enforcement Branch of Kolkata Police raided the office, sales counter and godown of the publishing house and took away copies of the book.

Islam was not available for comment.

The intellectuals of the state have come out against the government's move, calling it "draconian". "We are shocked to know about the state government's decision of banning the book," said legendary filmmaker Mrinal Sen. Noted littérateur Sunil Gangopadhyay also minced no words to protest the government's decision. "This cultural policing (by the government) should be condemned by everybody,'' he said.

The IPS officer, who was an ardent critic of the Left Front government, has penned down several books, a few of them criticising the role of the Marxists in controlling the police. He was censured by the Left Front government at that time and was allegedly denied promotions.

When Mamata Banerjee became Railway Minister, she made him an official of the Railways in charge of safety. But after Trinamool Congress came to power in the state, Mamata made him an officer on Special duty in the Home Department, which he refused.

Thereafter, Islam was made Additional Director General (Training) of West Bengal Police, a post he still holds.

The author received several literary awards and has also set up an engineering college at Domkol in Murshidabad district — his native place. According to reports, the author is planning to move court against the decision of the West Bengal government.

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