A complainant was allegedly denied the opportunity to file an FIR at the Bidhannagar Cyber Crime Division after accusing Union Home Minister Amit Shah of making provocative remarks during campaigning for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.
The complainant, Manas Sen Chowdhury, claimed that his attempts to lodge the complaint were unsuccessful despite visiting the police station on two consecutive days.
Recounting his experience, Chowdhury said that on Monday he approached the station to meet the Inspector-in-Charge (IC) and formally submit his complaint. However, according to him, the police refused to accept it and questioned the delay in reporting the matter.
“I explained that I had only come across the remarks the previous day. Upon reflection, I felt these statements posed a serious threat to India’s democratic framework. As a citizen, I believed it was my duty to come forward,” he said.
Chowdhury further asserted that the law should apply equally to all individuals, regardless of their position. “If anyone takes the law into their own hands, a complaint should be filed against them— no matter who they are,” he added.
The controversy stems from alleged remarks made by Shah during a public rally on April 27, where he reportedly criticised the ruling dispensation using strong language and issued warnings against party workers. Chowdhury argued that such statements could incite tension and damage democratic norms.
Questioning the police’s refusal, he said, “Is the Home Minister the authority to decide what constitutes an offense? If so, what role do courts serve? The Constitution does not discriminate— law must be equal for everyone.”
The issue has drawn comparisons with a recent FIR lodged against Abhishek Banerjee, TMC General Secretary and MP from Diamond Harbour, over alleged provocative statements made during election campaigning.
In that instance, a complaint was formally registered at a police station, prompting Banerjee to approach the Calcutta High Court seeking anticipatory bail. The court granted interim protection, directing that no coercive action be taken against him and stating that custodial interrogation was not necessary at this stage. The protection is set to remain in force until July 31.
Chowdhury questioned the disparity in police response, stating that similar allegations should invite equal legal scrutiny.
Authorities have not issued an official statement regarding the alleged refusal to accept the complaint.
Also read: Suspended BDO arrested for drunk driving
Follow us
