Kolkata Police files FIR against actor Paresh Rawal over alleged 'hate speech' against Bengalis

Kolkata Police has lodgeded an FIR against bollywood actor Paresh Rawal over alleged hate speech against Bengalis. CPI(M) West Bengal State Secretary Md Salim had earlier registered a police complaint against the actor for his "anti-Bengali" statements.

CPI(M) West Bengal State Secretary alleged Paresh Rawal's remark was provocative and it could trigger "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 said.

A case has been lodged against the bollywood actor 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 a lot of criticisms 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.

On December 2, the actor put ont an apology for his take on the subject and said that the statement was in reference to illegal 'Bangladeshis and Rohingyas'.

In the meantime, Trinamool Congress slammed the actor over his statement. The party’s 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.”

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