Muslim IPS officer Bushra Banu has been transferred in India's West Bengal after using terms like "Assalamu Alaikum" in a video speech, sparking intense political controversy across the country.

Dr. Bushra Banu was transferred from her position as Additional Superintendent of Police in Kharagpur to the post of Deputy Commandant of the 4th Battalion of the State Armed Police (SAP).

Prior to this, having taught in Saudi Arabia, Bushra Banu returned to India, cleared the UPSC examination twice, and ultimately joined as an IPS officer.

Recently, while delivering a video speech to encourage UPSC aspirants, Bushra Banu used Islamic phrases such as "Assalamu Alaikum," "Inshallah," and "Jazakallah." Immediately afterwards, she became the target of severe attacks by Hindutva groups.

Following the viral spread of the video, various Hindutva social media accounts and handles launched scathing criticisms against her. Questioning her neutrality, critics asked why Bushra did not use "Vande Mataram" or "Jai Hind."

Furthermore, the hardline media outlet "Sudarshan News" fueled the controversy by labeling the matter "UPSC Jihad." Subsequently, an organization named "Hindu Legal Fund" lodged a written complaint against Bushra Banu with the Home Secretary of West Bengal, accusing her of using religious terms while holding a public office and demanding an investigation and action. Within 24 hours of filing that complaint, the government issued an order for her transfer.

The government's decision has triggered strong reactions in political and social circles. Drawing a comparison to international platforms, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra stated, "On one hand, the BJP government is showcasing its secularism by building a prayer room at the BRICS summit, while on the other hand, surrendering to the hatred of media and extremists, a competent woman IPS officer like Bushra Banu is being sidelined simply for saying 'Assalamu Alaikum' and 'Jazakallah'."

Mahua Moitra declared, "Bushra, we stand with you."

Additionally, Mahua Moitra had recently sent a strict message to the IPS and IAS Associations, accusing the state of excluding Muslim officers from government events organized during Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to West Bengal. This new controversy erupted just two weeks after that incident.

Congress MP Imran Pratapgarhi labeled the incident as motivated online trolling and demanded that the IPS Association take cognizance of the matter.

Journalist Kavish Aziz, among others, also raised questions about discrimination. He remarked, "Bushra Banu was transferred merely for the 'crime' of greeting with 'Salaam'. Meanwhile, an officer like Anuj Chaudhary, who participated in a religious procession in uniform, was promoted. Instead of standing by the officer, the administration transferred her."

Directing a question at Narendra Modi, he asked, "What kind of India are you building?" Finally, he added, "India's unity in diversity is not a weakness, it is our pride. Bushra, thank you for your service! Jazakallahu Khairan!"