BGP Sikkim files police complaint, seeks apology from casino heads over alleged anti-Nepali remark

GANGTOK,: Bharatiya Gorkha Parisangh (BGP) Sikkim unit has demanded a public apology from the heads of a casino here over their alleged offensive remarks against the Nepali community.

A complaint was lodged by BGP Sikkim at Ranipool police station on Sunday, seeking action against two top-level executives of the casino operating on the premises of Mayfair Hotel.

Addressing a press meet here, BGP Sikkim president C.L. Ghimirey said that during protests over the recent death of an employee at the casino, workers had levelled allegations of negligence and oppression against the top management.

“The employees alleged that the casino head brushed aside their grievances, saying ‘Nepalis are like shoe dust for him’. This comment is offensive and deeply hurtful to the entire Nepali community of India,” Ghimirey said.

He informed that a BGP Sikkim team visited the casino premises and interacted with employees, who confirmed that the alleged statement had been made. We then went to Ranipool police station to lodge an FIR against the concerned persons and sought appropriate legal action, he added.

Ghimirey said the Indian Nepali/Gorkhali community has made significant contributions to the national freedom movement and has sacrificed lives in safeguarding the country’s security. “The Nepali community is certainly not someone’s ‘shoe dust’. We strongly condemn such offensive and hurtful remarks against our community,” he said.

The two accused persons have reportedly left Sikkim following protests by casino workers after the death of their colleague due to alleged negligence.

Ghimirey said the State unit is in constant communication with the BGP national president and executive committee over the issue. “If the casino heads do not apologise, the BGP national committee will take up the matter at the national level,” he said.

He also urged organisations in the State to come forward and condemn the alleged remarks, and requested the State government to monitor the situation and take appropriate action against statements that threaten communal harmony.

We also demand justice for the deceased employee, and that his family members be adequately compensated by the casino management, said the State BGP president.