Kolkata, 13 August (H.S.): A youth has been arrested in Islampur in West Bengal's North Dinajpur district for allegedly making objectionable and disrespectful remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose on social media.

The arrest came a day after Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari announced that no one would be spared for insulting Netaji and directed the police to take action against offenders without considering their political affiliations.

The arrested youth has been identified as Kiran Kumar Das, a resident of Jharbari under Chakulia police station in North Dinajpur. Police alleged that Das had recently posted remarks concerning Netaji on social media that were considered objectionable and disrespectful.

Police have initiated an investigation into the matter and are examining the social media post and other relevant aspects of the case.

Following the Chief Minister's directive, authorities across several districts have begun identifying allegedly objectionable posts and comments targeting Netaji on social media platforms. The Chief Minister has also instructed the cyber cell to take necessary action in such cases.

Adhikari had made it clear that deleting an objectionable post would not necessarily protect the person responsible from legal action. He said on Wednesday at Nabanna that the state government would follow a “zero-tolerance” policy towards attempts to insult Netaji.

The Chief Minister said the law would apply equally to everyone and that the police would investigate who was behind any campaign or propaganda aimed at disrespecting Netaji. He also made it clear that such activities would not be tolerated in West Bengal and that action would be taken without considering political affiliations.

The issue has gained political significance following controversial remarks by BJP Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Ray alias Ananta Maharaj. He had recently claimed that Netaji had made no contribution to India's independence and had also alleged that Netaji had misused the Indian National Army (INA).

The remarks triggered strong political and social reactions in the state. Attention is now focused on whether similar action will be taken against Ananta Maharaj as well.

The Chief Minister had reiterated that the law is equal for everyone and that political considerations would not come in the way of action against those involved in allegedly spreading objectionable content about Netaji. The arrest in North Dinajpur marks the first reported arrest following the government's latest directive.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh