Kolkata, 4 September (H.S.): Popular Bengali actor Anirban Bhattacharya and his recently launched rock band Hooliganism have landed in controversy after being accused of hurting religious sentiments. BJP leader and advocate Tarunjyoti Tiwari lodged a formal complaint at the Cyber Police Station in Lalbazar, Kolkata Police headquarters, against the actor and his band.

Tiwari has warned that if the police fail to register an FIR based on his complaint, he will move the Calcutta High Court. “I have no objection to singing songs or mentioning political leaders. But Anirban and his band mocked Sanatan Dharma and its followers, which is an insult to our religious beliefs. Such acts cannot be tolerated and demand legal action,” Tiwari stated.

According to the complaint filed on Wednesday night, the BJP leader alleged that during a performance, Bhattacharya made derogatory remarks against Sanatan Dharma and its followers. He claimed that the remarks were made deliberately to gain cheap publicity, thereby hurting the sentiments of millions of devotees.

Tiwari further argued that the band’s actions are punishable under Indian law, as they were intended to incite hatred on religious grounds, disturb peace, and create disharmony in society. He has demanded strict action against Hooliganism and particularly against Anirban Bhattacharya under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Information Technology Act.

Meanwhile, Anirban Bhattacharya has declined to comment on the controversy.

It is noteworthy that on August 31, during the Band Storm event at the Vishw Bangla Mela Grounds in Kolkata, Bhattacharya introduced his new band Hooliganism. The group performed a song titled Tumi Masti Karbe Jani, which mentioned several political leaders, including the Prime Minister. The lyrics also referred to the special review exercise (SIR), the concept of a ‘Hindu Rashtra,’ and the Supreme Court’s remarks on stray dogs.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh