Kolkata cops register FIR against Paresh Rawal after row over remark on Bengalis

Kolkata Police has registered an FIR against actor Paresh Rawal over an alleged hate speech against Bengalis.

Kolkata Police has registered an FIR against BJP leader and actor Paresh Rawal over alleged hate speech against Bengalis. CPI(M) West Bengal State Secretary Md Salim had earlier lodged a police complaint against Paresh Rawal for his “anti-Bengali” remarks.

Salim alleged Rawal’s comment was provocative and it could incite “riots and destroy the harmony between Bengali and other communities”.

“A large number of Bengalis reside outside the limits of the State. I apprehend that many of them will be prejudicially targeted and affected because of the vicious remarks made by Paresh Rawal,” Salim’s complaint stated.

A case has been registered against Rawal under IPC sections 153 (provocation with intent to cause riot), 153A (promoting enmity between different groups), 153B (propagates denial of rights to linguistic or racial groups), 504 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace) and 505 (statements intending public mischief).

The complaint holds relevance as Paresh Rawal drew flak over his statements linking inflation, gas cylinders, Bengalis and fish during BJP’s campaign speech. Paresh Rawal’s comment on Bengalis came while he was campaigning for the BJP in Gujarat.

“Gas cylinders are expensive but the prices will come down. People will get employment too. But what will happen if Rohingya migrants and Bangladeshis start living around you, like in Delhi? What will you do with gas cylinders? Cook fish for the Bengalis?” Paresh Rawal had said in his speech in a rally.

On December 2, the veteran actor apologised for his take on the subject and said that the statement was in reference to illegal ‘Bangladeshis and Rohingyas’.

Meanwhile, TMC slammed Rawal over his statement. TMC IT head Debangshu Bhattacharjee said, “Modi ji came to power over the price rise of gas and LPG. Does Paresh Rawal forget this? When prices of gas increase, it affects Hindus and Muslims both. It is shameful that Paresh who made a film like Oh My God and said that he protested against the business of religion, is stating such stuff during an election, just to get two votes in Gujarat.”

An India Today report said or reported by India Today

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