The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has demanded the immediate arrest of Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra for allegedly displaying an obscene poster of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a protest in Kolkata. The controversy erupted on July 26, 2026, after a complaint was lodged at the Anandapur Police Station by BJP leader and party spokesperson Keya Ghosh.
Details of the Complaint
According to the complaint, Mitra participated in a protest where she was seen holding a poster depicting the Prime Minister in an obscene manner. The BJP has described the act as a deliberate attempt to insult the country's leadership and hurt public sentiments. Keya Ghosh, who filed the complaint, demanded strict legal action under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Information Technology Act.
In addition to the Anandapur police station, reports emerged that similar complaints were filed against Mitra at the Bidhannagar Cyber Crime Police Station and several other police stations across multiple districts in West Bengal. This indicates a coordinated effort by the BJP to pursue the matter through legal channels.
Political Reactions
The incident has sparked a political firestorm in the state. BJP leaders condemned the poster as a disgraceful act and called for Mitra's immediate arrest. They argued that such actions cannot be tolerated under the guise of protest. On the other hand, supporters of the actress claimed that the poster was a form of political satire protected under free speech.
The protest in Kolkata was organized by local activists opposing certain government policies. Sreelekha Mitra, known for her roles in Bengali cinema, has been vocal about her political views in the past. This is not the first time she has been involved in a controversy; she has often used her platform to criticize the ruling party.
Legal Implications
The police have registered the complaints and are investigating the matter. Cyber crime teams are also examining digital evidence related to the poster. If charges are proven, Mitra could face offenses including criminal defamation and obscenity, which carry potential imprisonment and fines.
The BJP’s state unit has stated that they will pursue the case rigorously. Party workers held demonstrations demanding action, while Mitra has not yet issued a public statement regarding the allegations.
