Malda: A video clip purportedly showing a Malda police inspector in uniform receiving what appears to be a gift from Bengal minister Tajmul Hossain surfaced on social media, causing the BJP to react sharply.

The police officer in the video resembles Deodoot Gajmer, inspector-in-charge of Harishchandrapur police station in Malda district. Hossain, apart from being the minister of state for MSME and textiles, is also the Harishchandrapur MLA.

Amlan Bhaduri, the general secretary of BJP Malda (South) district committee, said: “The police and the ruling party have become synonymous under the Trinamul regime. Whether the police are offered gifts or not, they are compelled to abide by the directives of Trinamul leaders."

Minister Hossain could not be contacted as sources said he was unwell. His close aides conceded he handed over a “Puja gift” to the inspector on October 23. “It was a shirt,” one of the minister’s aides said.

Gajmer could not be contacted over the phone by this correspondent.

An officer of the police station said the minister paid a "courtesy visit" to the police station during which "he greeted the inspector and other police personnel with bouquets on the occasion of Durja Puja". "I'm not sure if he gave a shirt to the inspector,” he said.