Controversy deepens over alleged statement of Pandit Dhirendra Shastri, Prasenjit Puitandi files complaint at police station, accuses him of insulting Bengali community
Asansol: The controversy in West Bengal is escalating over an alleged statement by Pandit Dhirendra Shastri, the chief of Bageshwar Dham, also known as Bageshwar Baba. Prasenjit Puitandi, a member of the West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee, has lodged a complaint at the police station demanding the registration of an FIR against him.
The complainant alleges that the feelings of the Bengali community have been hurt by Pandit Dhirendra Shastri's alleged statement. The complaint states that the Bengali community is a diverse and integral part of the social and cultural fabric of West Bengal. Statements that present an entire linguistic or cultural community in a derogatory or stereotypical manner can be a matter of serious concern for social harmony.
Referring to freedom of speech and expression, the complaint stated that this freedom cannot mean allowing statements targeting a specific community that could disturb public peace or create tension between different sections.
Demand to preserve video and social media content
Prasenjit Puitandi demanded that the police preserve and secure video recordings, audio recordings, social media posts, news reports, and other electronic material related to the alleged statement. He also requested an impartial investigation by recording the statements of the accused individual and others connected to the matter.
The complainant demanded that if the material provided in the complaint prima facie reveals a cognizable offense, an FIR should be registered and action taken under the appropriate provisions of the law.
Protest by hitting banner with slippers
Congress leader Prasenjit Puitandi also held a protest regarding the matter. During this, he expressed his protest by hitting a banner featuring Bageshwar Baba's picture with slippers and raised slogans against him.
He said that the police should conduct an impartial investigation into the alleged statement and, if the allegations are found to be true, action should be taken according to the law.
Demand for strict action from police
The complaint also stated that given the widespread circulation of the alleged remarks and the resulting outrage, the police administration should take necessary preventive and legal steps so that no communal tension, conflict, or unrest arises.
Expressing faith in the police administration, the complainant expressed hope that the entire matter would be investigated in an impartial manner without fear or favor, and if the allegations are confirmed in the investigation, appropriate action will be taken in accordance with the law.
However, the final legal position regarding the alleged statement will be determined by the police investigation and the authorities concerned.
