Kolkata Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Bengali actor Sreelekha Mitra following allegations that she displayed an objectionable caricature of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a protest rally in Kolkata.
The case was registered at Anandapur Police Station after BJP leader Keya Ghosh submitted a complaint. Police have confirmed that an investigation is underway. No conclusions have been announced, and the allegations remain under investigation.
Complaint Filed Following Protest Rally
According to the complaint, the alleged incident took place during a public demonstration held on July 24, which proceeded from Sealdah to Dharmatala in Kolkata.
Keya Ghosh alleged that Mitra publicly displayed a poster featuring what she described as a derogatory caricature of the Prime Minister during the rally. The complaint contends that the display was offensive and intended to insult the office of the Prime Minister.
Police registered the complaint and have begun examining the matter.
BJP Seeks Legal Action
Speaking after filing the complaint, Keya Ghosh said the party had sought legal action against the actor over the poster displayed during the protest.
The BJP has also reportedly submitted complaints to the Bidhannagar Cyber Crime Police Station and other police stations across West Bengal, requesting further action.
According to the written complaint, the poster allegedly depicted Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a disrespectful manner and was displayed publicly during the demonstration.
The complaint reportedly cites provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, including Sections 352, 353, and 356, and requests that authorities investigate the matter in accordance with the law.
Sreelekha Mitra Responds
Sreelekha Mitra has denied intentionally displaying an offensive image.
In a video statement shared on her social media accounts, the actor said she had joined the protest to express solidarity with students and young people.
She stated that she was not wearing her prescription glasses during the demonstration and therefore was unaware of the specific image printed on the poster she was holding.
Addressing the allegations, Mitra said:
“If you wish to arrest me, then arrest me; if you wish to send me to the gallows, then send me to the gallows. I believe there will be a movement against this as well.”
She also rejected claims that she had deliberately insulted the Prime Minister, adding that although she may oppose the BJP politically, describing her as anti-national was unjustified. Mitra further said she did not intentionally choose the poster or pose with it knowing its contents.
Investigation Continues
Kolkata Police have confirmed that the FIR has been registered and that the matter is under investigation.
As of publication, no arrests have been announced, and authorities have not disclosed further details regarding the progress of the inquiry.
Hunterfly will continue to monitor the case and provide updates as more official information becomes available.
