Tripura’s Pradyot Kishore Debbarman Slams Mischaracterization : Delhi Police Sparks Outrage Over Bengali Language

A controversial letter from the Delhi Police has ignited a fierce debate across India, spotlighting the critical issue of linguistic sensitivity and official competence. The letter, originating from the Lodhi Colony Police Station, referred to Bengali as the “Bangladeshi language,” a mischaracterization that has drawn widespread condemnation from public figures and citizens alike. This incident has sparked a significant Delhi Police Bengali language controversy, raising questions about bureaucratic awareness and the respect for India’s rich linguistic diversity.

The Triggering Incident in the Delhi Police Bengali Language Controversy

The heart of the matter lies in a communication dated in 2025, which was part of an investigation related to FIR No. 51/2025. The letter was addressed to an official requesting a translator for documents seized from eight individuals suspected of being illegal Bangladeshi nationals. The documents, including identity cards and bank statements, were described as containing text in the “Bangladeshi national language.” The police sought to have these materials translated into Hindi and English for their investigation.

However, the use of the term “Bangladeshi language” instead of “Bengali” or “Bangla” immediately drew fire. While Bengali is the official language of Bangladesh, it is also one of the 22 scheduled languages of India and is spoken by millions of Indian citizens in states like West Bengal, Tripura, and Assam. This official correspondence from a law enforcement agency was seen as a blatant display of ignorance and a grave disrespect to a language that is deeply interwoven with India’s cultural and historical fabric.

Political Backlash: Pradyot Kishore Debbarman Condemns the Misstep

The most prominent voice of dissent came from Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarman, the founder of the TIPRA Motha party and a member of the Tripura royal family. Debbarman, who is known for his strong advocacy for indigenous and regional rights, did not mince words in his criticism. He labeled the police’s terminology as “deeply concerning” and “ignorant,” pointing out the fundamental error in the police’s understanding.

• Debbarman unequivocally stated that “there is no such thing called a Bangladeshi language.” He emphasized the historical and cultural significance of Bengali, reminding the nation that its own national anthem, “Jana Gana Mana,” was originally composed in Bengali by Rabindranath Tagore.
• He warned that such official mischaracterizations are not harmless and can be dangerous, potentially giving rise to extremist views and harming the country’s pluralistic image.
• He also used the opportunity to reaffirm his opposition to the imposition of any single language on any community. In his comments, Debbarman stressed the need to respect and protect all of India’s languages, including Kokborok, Bengali, Tamil, Assamese, Mizo, Bodo, Hindi, and English, highlighting the constitutional and cultural importance of linguistic diversity.

Linguistic Identity and the Broader Context of the Delhi Police Bengali Language Controversy

The incident has opened a broader conversation about linguistic identity and the respect for regional languages in India. The nation’s strength lies in its diversity, and languages are a cornerstone of that identity. The Constitution of India recognizes 22 official languages, each with its own unique history and literary tradition. To conflate one of these languages with a foreign nationality, particularly in an official capacity, is not just a semantic error but a potential threat to the social and cultural fabric of the nation.

• The controversy has been widely discussed on social media and in news media, with many expressing concern over the potential for such errors to lead to discrimination or prejudice against a specific community.
• The incident serves as a stark reminder that government and law enforcement agencies must be meticulously careful in their use of language, as their words carry significant weight and can impact public perception and social harmony.
• Experts on linguistics and constitutional law have also weighed in, highlighting that the incident reflects a gap in bureaucratic training and cultural awareness. They argue that officials, especially those in law enforcement, must be better educated on the country’s diverse demographics and languages to prevent such errors.

In a country where linguistic boundaries are often a sensitive topic, this Delhi Police Bengali language controversy is a powerful case study. It underscores the ongoing need for public institutions to demonstrate respect, knowledge, and sensitivity towards all of India’s languages and the people who speak them. While the incident may have been a mistake, its repercussions serve as an important lesson in the power of words and the imperative to uphold the values of a truly diverse and pluralistic nation. The episode is a reminder that the unity of India is built on the respect for its various communities and their unique identities, including their languages. The resolution of this controversy will be a test of how committed Indian institutions are to these core values.