Kolkata: The first woman president of the Eastern India Motion Pictures Association (EIMPA) has become embroiled in a dispute following allegations and counter-allegations that reached the police station. Actor-producer Piyaa Ssengupta, who assumed the presidency on December 11, 2018, visited the Bowbazar Police Station to lodge a complaint against certain members of the association.
Allegations of Harassment
Ssengupta stated, "I never imagined I would face physical, mental, and sexual harassment. I was accused of being a Trinamool Congress member and of being close to Aroop and Swarup Biswas. However, I have photos of interim president Ratan Saha standing next to Aroop Biswas with green abir on his forehead. Despite having a stomach ache, I went to the police station to lodge a complaint."
Denials and Counterclaims
Producer-distributor-exhibitor Satadeep Saha refuted the allegations. "First, we were accused of being BJP supporters, now she is accusing us of being Trinamool. She needs to decide what she wants. I wish she had stepped down after most members supported the no-confidence motion I moved. But she wants to hold on to her position. She is playing the victim card, which harms the film industry's image," he said.
Director-producer Milon Bhowmik claimed they had informed Bowbazar Police Station about their actions before Ssengupta lodged her complaint. "She has hurt many members of our executive committee. She pushed former president Krishna Daga, who is a dialysis patient, and Piyaa hurt him. We have photos of her trying to remove Satadeep by grabbing his collar," Bhowmik stated.
Background and Context
The dispute has brought to light internal conflicts within EIMPA, with both sides accusing each other of political affiliations and misconduct. Ssengupta's election as the first woman president was seen as a progressive step, but the recent turmoil has overshadowed her tenure. The police are investigating the complaint and counter-complaints.
