Bidhannagar Police in Kolkata took formal legal action on Thursday by registering two separate First Information Reports (FIRs) related to alleged derogatory and defamatory content circulating on social media platforms. The complaints target high-profile political figures from opposing sides of the spectrum: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Dilip Ghosh along with his spouse.
Two Separate Complaints Spark Police Action
The police initiated proceedings based on distinct complaints received from the affected parties. In the first case, Rinku Ghosh, the wife of BJP leader Dilip Ghosh, formally approached the authorities. She alleged that an unidentified individual had created a counterfeit Facebook profile using the name "Ananya Chaterje." This fake account was reportedly used to post and widely circulate objectionable and derogatory statements targeting both her and her husband. The complaint specified that the content included unsavory comments about their personal life, causing distress.
In the second, independent case, a complainant identified as Apu Pramanick filed a police report after encountering a Facebook reel that allegedly contained defamatory material aimed at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The nature of the reel prompted the individual to bring it to the attention of the law enforcement agencies in Bidhannagar.
Legal Ramifications and Political Context
The registration of the FIRs marks the beginning of a formal police investigation into both incidents. Under Indian law, creating fake profiles and posting defamatory content can attract charges under sections of the Indian Penal Code related to defamation, cheating by personation, and the Information Technology Act. These cases highlight the increasing use of social media as a tool for personal and political attacks, often leading to legal consequences.
The fact that the complaints involve prominent leaders from the state's ruling Trinamool Congress and the main opposition BJP adds a significant political dimension to the events. It underscores the tense and often vitriolic nature of political discourse in the region, which frequently spills over onto digital platforms.
What Happens Next?
With the FIRs now officially recorded, the Bidhannagar Police will proceed with their investigative procedures. This will likely involve:
- Cybersecurity experts tracing the origin of the fake Facebook profile and the defamatory reel.
- Collecting digital evidence and recording statements from the complainants.
- Identifying and potentially apprehending the individuals responsible for creating and sharing the contentious content.
These cases serve as a stark reminder of the legal boundaries governing online speech. As social media continues to be a dominant forum for public discourse, authorities are increasingly vigilant about taking action against content deemed malicious, fraudulent, or aimed at tarnishing reputations without basis.
