Mamata faces legal action over ‘inciting’ comments

A case has been filed against former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the Siliguri Cyber Crime Police Station in India over alleged provocative and anti-state remarks, according to reports.

The complaint was lodged by lawyer Rinki Singh Chattopadhyay, accusing the Trinamool Congress leader of making statements that allegedly attempted to create confusion and public distrust by questioning the neutrality of the Election Commission and central security forces.

The complaint further alleges that her remarks linking a recent high-profile murder case in Bangladesh to the Indian government and the Union Home Minister could damage India’s image and have negative diplomatic implications.

The case has been registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including provisions related to incitement, defamation and threats to public order. The complainant claimed that the statements could also pose risks to communal harmony and national security.

Lawyer Rinki Singh Chattopadhyay said the matter requires an impartial investigation and added that she would seek an arrest warrant against Mamata Banerjee once the court resumes proceedings.

According to reports, Mamata Banerjee made the controversial remarks during a political event on June 2, referring to the killing of Osman Hadi, convener of Bangladesh’s Inquilab Mancha. She allegedly claimed that some individuals involved in the incident were arrested by the West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) and that she had been asked by the Union Home Ministry not to disclose further details.

She also said she possessed additional information regarding the incident but refrained from making it public in the interest of bilateral relations.

There has been no immediate response from the Indian central government or the Union Home Ministry regarding her comments.

TZ