Kolkata, 12 June (H.S.) : An FIR has been registered against former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at Hare Street Police Station in connection with remarks she allegedly made during the recent Assembly election campaign.

The case has been filed under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relating to allegations of promoting enmity, incitement, intimidation and disturbing public peace, following a written complaint lodged by a city resident.

According to police sources, the complaint stems from a statement made by Banerjee during the election campaign in which she allegedly referred to a particular community and urged people not to be influenced by what she described as the BJP’s “propaganda.” The remarks had triggered a political controversy at the time.

The complaint was submitted on May 20 by Tusharkanti Das, a resident of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Road, at Netajinagar Police Station. He sought legal action against the former Chief Minister, arguing that although no community was explicitly named, the statement had the potential to disturb communal harmony and create tension between different groups.

The complainant further alleged that the remarks could have contributed to incidents of post-election violence and communal unrest reported in Kolkata and adjoining areas. Based on the complaint, Hare Street Police Station initiated legal proceedings and registered an FIR.

In the complaint, Banerjee’s statement has been described as allegedly provocative, inflammatory and communal in nature. It has been claimed that such remarks could spread fear, hatred and misunderstanding among communities, thereby affecting public order and social harmony.

The complainant argued that the statement could have a significant impact on public sentiment and, if left unaddressed, might undermine communal harmony and the democratic atmosphere of the state.

The complaint also alleges that the remarks violated the Model Code of Conduct during the election period and calls for a fair, transparent and impartial investigation into the matter.

Police officials have not yet disclosed further details regarding the investigation. No response from Mamata Banerjee or her party was immediately available following the registration of the FIR.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh