Complaint Over Poll Speech Leads to Case Against TMC Chief

An FIR has been registered against Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over allegations that she made provocative remarks during the campaign for the last Assembly elections.

According to a senior police officer, a complaint was lodged at the Netaji Nagar Police Station, alleging that comments made by Banerjee during a party programme at the Metro Channel in Kolkata’s Esplanade area on March 9 were capable of inciting discord among different communities.

The complainant reportedly contended that the statements had the potential to promote enmity between communities, leading the police to initiate legal proceedings.

Officials said the case was initially recorded as a “zero FIR”, a mechanism that allows any police station to register a complaint irrespective of where the alleged offence took place. The provision ensures that complaints can be promptly documented without jurisdictional delays.

Subsequently, the matter was transferred to the Hare Street Police Station, as the Metro Channel area, where the alleged remarks were made, falls under its jurisdiction.

Authorities have not disclosed the specific contents of the remarks that formed the basis of the complaint. The registration of an FIR does not amount to a determination of guilt but marks the beginning of a formal investigation into the allegations.

There was no immediate response from Mamata Banerjee or the Trinamool Congress regarding the development.

The case is expected to draw significant political attention in West Bengal, given Banerjee’s stature as one of the state’s most influential leaders and the continuing rivalry between political parties in the state.

Police officials indicated that the investigation would proceed in accordance with legal procedures, including the examination of available evidence, recordings, and witness statements related to the alleged speech.