A complaint has been filed against former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at the Siliguri Cyber Crime Police Station over remarks she made during a protest in Kolkata on June 2. Advocate Rinki Singh Chatterjee, who filed the complaint, announced that she will move the Calcutta High Court on June 8 seeking Banerjee's immediate arrest.
Allegations of Sedition and Provocation
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Singh accused Banerjee of targeting the Election Commission, criticizing central forces, and making remarks concerning the killing of Bangladeshi activist Sharif Osman bin Hadi. Singh alleged that Banerjee was fully aware of the facts of the case but chose not to disclose complete details, amounting to offences including sedition, criminal provocation, and breach of official secrecy.
Reacting to the development, Asansol MLA and Bengal Minister Agnimitra Paul launched a sharp attack on the former CM, alleging that Banerjee had repeatedly made "anti-national" remarks despite taking an oath to uphold the Constitution.
Remarks on Amit Shah and Bangladesh Tensions
According to Singh, Banerjee made serious allegations against Union Home Minister Amit Shah in connection with Hadi's killing, claiming that the murder was carried out in an organized manner at the behest of the Union Home Ministry. The advocate noted that she had previously filed a complaint against Banerjee over alleged provocative speeches during the election campaign.
The complaint states that such statements could provoke hostility and unrest in neighboring Bangladesh and endanger the lives of Hindus residing there. It further argues that remarks with the potential to incite tension, violence, or hatred across borders and disturb communal harmony are serious matters affecting public order, national interest, and diplomatic relations between the two nations.
"By making such allegations, Mamata Banerjee has not only increased tensions between India and Bangladesh but has also damaged India's image at the international level. Her remarks could jeopardize the safety of Hindus living in Bangladesh," Singh said.
Constitutional Responsibility and Legal Provisions
The complaint argues that Banerjee, as a former CM and holder of a constitutional office, was expected to uphold constitutional values and exercise restraint on matters concerning national security and foreign relations. "Both during and after her tenure, she has made statements capable of provoking extremist elements. Such conduct is contrary to constitutional responsibility and prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of India," Singh added.
Referring to the legal provisions invoked, the complaint states that the alleged acts and conduct of the ex-CM prima facie attract offences punishable under Sections 152, 153, 153A, 191, 192, 196, 351, 352 and 353 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with other applicable provisions of law. Singh requested police to treat the complaint as information disclosing cognizable offences, register an FIR, conduct a fair and impartial investigation, and take necessary legal action. A link to the video containing the alleged statements has also been submitted as supporting evidence.
Background of the Remarks
The complaint stems from remarks made by Banerjee during a sit-in at Kolkata's Y-Channel on Tuesday. Referring to a murder case in Bangladesh, Banerjee claimed that the accused was arrested after entering Bengal through Meghalaya. She said the Union Home Minister had telephoned her and advised that Bengal police should not speak on the matter in the interest of the nation.
