A formal police complaint was lodged on Wednesday against former Kolkata mayor Firhad Hakim at Bidhannagar South Police Station, accusing him of making derogatory remarks against women and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The complaint, filed by BJP worker Sanjay Paira, demanded the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against Hakim for statements allegedly aimed at inciting communal tension and disrespecting women.
Details of the Complaint
According to the complainant, the police had initially refused to register the cases when the incidents occurred on July 3, 2024, and November 7, 2024. Those close to Hakim dismissed the allegations as politically motivated. Police officials confirmed receipt of the complaint and stated that they will respond legally if the complaint is treated as an FIR.
Allegations from November 2024
“On November 7, 2024, during a party meeting in Sandeshkhali, Hakim referred to women as ‘goods’ and mocked the Prime Minister. We have video evidence of the event,” Paira told reporters outside the police station. He added that a second grievance was included with the main complaint regarding a government event on July 3, 2024, where the former minister allegedly made inflammatory speeches with religious overtones.
Communal Tension Concerns
“The remarks were explicitly designed to provoke religious tension and stir communal discord. While the police turned us away last year, they have finally accepted the formal complaint today,” Paira claimed. The BJP worker emphasized that the party would pursue the matter legally to ensure accountability.
Response from Police and Hakim's Camp
Bidhannagar South Police Station officials confirmed that the complaint has been received and will be examined according to legal procedures. Meanwhile, associates of Firhad Hakim rejected the allegations, calling them a politically motivated attempt to tarnish his image ahead of upcoming elections. They asserted that Hakim has always respected women and maintained communal harmony in his public life.
Background
Firhad Hakim, a senior leader of the Trinamool Congress, served as the mayor of Kolkata and held various ministerial positions in the West Bengal government. The complaint adds to the ongoing political tensions between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition BJP in the state.
