Bengali Actor-Politician Hiraan Chatterjee's Second Marriage Triggers Legal Controversy
Bengali actor and politician Hiraan Chatterjee, also known as Hiranmoy Chattopadhyaya, has found himself embroiled in a significant controversy following his reported second marriage to model Ritika Giri. What was intended as a celebratory occasion has transformed into a complex legal and emotional dispute, with his first wife Anindita publicly declaring the union "illegal" and alleging that no formal divorce or separation has occurred between them.
Wedding Photos Spark Immediate Backlash
The controversy erupted after Hiraan Chatterjee shared photographs from his wedding ceremony on social media, though the posts were subsequently deleted. The ceremony reportedly took place on the sacred ghats of Benaras (Varanasi), a location that has now become central to public scrutiny. Anindita, accompanied by her 19-year-old daughter Nyasa from her marriage with Hiraan, promptly filed a formal police complaint against both Hiraan and Ritika, escalating the matter into a legal confrontation.
Conflicting Claims and Emotional Statements
In an exclusive interview with The Indian Express Bangla, Anindita expressed deep distress over the situation. "I am ashamed to discuss this before my daughter," she stated, questioning Hiraan's involvement with another person while still being part of their household. She firmly denied receiving any divorce notice from Hiraan, countering Ritika's claim that such legal documentation had been sent. Anindita also emphasized the security measures in their residence, asserting she could provide evidence regarding Hiraan's sporadic stays.
Nyasa, the couple's daughter, shared a heartfelt video message supporting her mother, describing Anindita as her "mother, father, guide, and biggest support." She revealed learning about her father's wedding through social media while her mother was in tears, highlighting the emotional toll the incident has taken on the family.
Ritika Giri's Detailed Instagram Response
Amid the growing controversy, Ritika Giri addressed the allegations through a detailed note on her Instagram Stories. Written in Bengali, she explained her inability to engage with media due to being "mentally unstable" and "physically unwell" following a recent operation. Ritika made several key assertions in her statement:
- She and Hiraan have been married for five years, with the Benaras ceremony conducted solely for "mental satisfaction."
- A legal divorce notice was allegedly sent to Anindita, though this remains disputed.
- She refuted claims about living arrangements and timelines presented by Anindita.
- The marriage rituals were performed in Banaras with "fire as a witness," using sacred materials from temples, without any ostentation.
Ritika concluded her note by challenging those questioning the marriage's legality to "take legal steps," stating she had nothing further to add on the matter.
Legal Ambiguity and Public Scrutiny
The core of the controversy lies in the legal status of Hiraan Chatterjee's first marriage. Under Indian law, a second marriage while the first remains legally valid constitutes bigamy, which is punishable under Section 494 of the Indian Penal Code. Hiraan has yet to issue any formal statement addressing these allegations or clarifying the legal standing of his relationships.
The situation has drawn significant attention within Bengali entertainment and political circles, given Hiraan's dual public roles. The conflicting narratives from Anindita and Ritika, combined with the emotional testimony from daughter Nyasa, have created a multifaceted dispute that extends beyond personal matters into legal and ethical domains.
As the controversy continues to unfold, all eyes remain on potential legal developments and whether formal proceedings will be initiated to resolve the conflicting claims about the validity of Hiraan Chatterjee's marriages.
