‘Bid to provoke unrest’: Lawyer files plaint against Mamata over Kol protest remarks

Siliguri: A complaint was filed against ex-CM Mamata Banerjee over remarks she made during a protest in Kolkata on June 2 at Siliguri Cyber Crime Police Station. Rinki Singh Chatterjee, an advocate, said she will move Calcutta HC on June 8 seeking Banerjee's immediate arrest.Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Singh alleged Banerjee targeted the EC, criticised central forces and made remarks concerning the killing of Bangladeshi activist Sharif Osman bin Hadi."She was fully aware of the facts of the case and had even received information regarding the matter, yet she chose not to disclose the complete details. Such actions amount to offences against the state, including sedition, criminal provocation and breach of official secrecy," Singh alleged. Reacting to the development, Asansol MLA and Bengal minister Agnimitra Paul also launched a sharp attack at the former CM, alleging that Banerjee had repeatedly made "anti-national" remarks despite taking an oath to uphold the Constitution.According to Singh, Banerjee made serious allegations against Union home minister Amit Shah in connection with Hadi's killing and claimed that the murder had been carried out in an organised manner at the behest of the Union home ministry. The advocate had filed a complaint against Banerjee over alleged provocative speeches during the election campaign earlier as well.The complaint alleges that such statements are capable of provoking hostility and unrest in neighbouring Bangladesh and could endanger the lives, safety and security of Hindus residing there. It further states that remarks having 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 two sovereign 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 jeopardise the safety of Hindus living in Bangladesh," Singh said.The complaint further 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 BNS, along with other applicable provisions of law. Singh requested police to treat the complaint as information disclosing cognisable 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.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.