Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee on Monday expressed heartfelt joy over the birth of a healthy baby boy to Sunali Khatun at Rampurhat Medical College in Birbhum, describing the occasion as both “deeply moving” and “profound.”

In a series of posts on X, Banerjee highlighted the extraordinary circumstances surrounding Khatun’s pregnancy, praising her for her courage in the face of significant adversity. He alleged that Khatun had been falsely branded a Bangladeshi national and forcibly deported to Bangladesh by the Delhi Police and the Union Government, calling the incident “a shocking abuse of power.”

Banerjee wrote, “I am deeply moved and genuinely heartened to learn that Sunali Khatun has given birth to a healthy baby boy at Rampurhat Medical College, Birbhum. This moment of joy feels even more profound against the backdrop of the injustice she was subjected to. In a shocking abuse of power, she was falsely branded as a Bangladeshi and forcibly deported to Bangladesh by the Delhi Police and the Union Government.”

He further stated that the ordeal had been a violation of human dignity, particularly harsh for a pregnant mother, and commended Sunali for demonstrating “extraordinary courage and resolve” amid the alleged injustice. Banerjee also announced that he planned to personally visit Rampurhat Medical College on Saturday to meet Sunali and her newborn to convey his best wishes.

“Her ordeal was a violation of dignity that no citizen, least of all a pregnant mother, should ever be forced to endure. Yet, through it all, Sunali displayed extraordinary courage and resolve. This is a triumph of humanity. Tomorrow, during my visit to Birbhum, I will personally meet Sunali at the hospital to convey my best wishes to her and her newborn. My prayers remain with her family,” he added in his post.

Background of Sunali Khatun’s Ordeal

The controversy surrounding Sunali Khatun began in December 2025, when she and her 8-year-old son were deported from India on suspicion of being Bangladeshi nationals. Her return to India was ordered by the Supreme Court, which directed the government to bring her and her child back on humanitarian grounds.

Upon her return at Mada, on the India-Bangladesh border, Sunali expressed relief and gratitude, requesting that her husband also be brought back. The apex court had instructed the government to provide free medical facilities for Sunali, considering her advanced pregnancy, and to ensure the welfare of her son.

Sunali Khatun maintains that she is the daughter of Bhodu Sheikh, an Indian citizen, further reinforcing her claim to Indian nationality.

Political Response

Banerjee’s remarks also included criticism of the government’s handling of the case, highlighting the alleged misuse of authority and the trauma caused to a pregnant woman and her child. By visiting her personally, he intends to show solidarity and publicly acknowledge her courage.

The birth of her child has been widely celebrated by supporters and sympathizers, who view it as a moment of triumph and resilience amid a politically and emotionally charged backdrop.

The case has also raised broader questions about citizenship verification processes, human rights protections, and the treatment of individuals facing deportation, particularly in sensitive humanitarian situations such as pregnancy.

Conclusion

The arrival of Sunali Khatun’s baby boy has brought relief and joy to her family and supporters, and TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee’s public acknowledgment underscores the human and political dimensions of her ordeal. The Supreme Court’s directive and the government’s compliance to facilitate her safe return and medical care highlight the importance of upholding humanitarian principles, even amid legal and administrative controversies.

Sunali’s courage in enduring such challenges and bringing her child into the world safely has been widely lauded, and her story continues to resonate across political and social spheres in India.