Bengali Actor Faces Legal Action Over PM Modi Poster During Student Protest

Bengali actor Sreelekha Mitra has been embroiled in legal proceedings after participating in a student protest in Kolkata on Friday, where she allegedly displayed a poster featuring a controversial image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Multiple complaints have been filed against her at police stations across West Bengal, including the Anandapur Police Station and the Bidhannagar Cyber Crime Police Station.

BJP leader Keya Ghosh lodged a complaint at Anandapur Police Station on Sunday, stating, 'A complaint has been filed against actress Sreelekha Mitra for displaying a distasteful poster targeting the Prime Minister. This FIR has been lodged over the insult of the country's Prime Minister. Sreelekha Mitra must be arrested as soon as possible.'

The protest, which drew crowds to the streets of Kolkata, was against the alleged leak of the NEET question paper and demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Mitra joined the demonstration and was reportedly photographed holding a poster with a derogatory image of PM Modi.

Complaints have been registered under Sections 352 (provocation with intent to cause a breach of peace), 353 (public support for provocative conduct), and 356 (defamation) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. In response, Mitra posted a video statement on social media, saying, 'If you wish to arrest me, then arrest me; if you wish to send me to the gallows, then send me to the gallows. I believe there will be a movement against this as well.'

The actor has not been arrested as of now, and the police are investigating the matter. The case highlights the ongoing tensions between freedom of expression and respect for national symbols in public protests.