FIR filed against Mamata Banerjee over communal remarks at Kolkata rally
Synopsis
Two FIRs in weeks — and Mamata Banerjee is at the centre of both. The latest, registered at Hare Street Police Station in Kolkata, targets remarks she allegedly made at a pre-election rally, with the complainant arguing they could disturb communal harmony and violate the model code of conduct. The cases are mounting as West Bengal's political temperature rises.
Key Takeaways
An FIR has been registered against former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at Hare Street Police Station , central Kolkata.
The complaint was filed by Tushar Kanti Das at Netaji Nagar Police Station on 20 May and transferred to Hare Street due to jurisdictional reasons.
Banerjee allegedly said at a pre-election rally that if a particular community united, there would have been havoc — remarks the complainant called communally provocative .
A second FIR was registered against Banerjee at Siliguri Cyber Crime Police Station , Darjeeling , over remarks allegedly implicating Home Minister Amit Shah in the murder of Bangladesh national Osman Hadi .
The complainant has called for an impartial and transparent investigation , alleging the speech violated the model code of conduct and the Constitution of India .
A first information report (FIR) has been registered against All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for allegedly making communally provocative statements at a pre-election campaign rally in central Kolkata. The case was registered at Hare Street Police Station following a complaint filed by Tushar Kanti Das at Netaji Nagar Police Station in south Kolkata on 20 May.
What the Complaint Alleges
According to the complaint, Banerjee was heard saying at the rally that if people of a particular community united, there would have been havoc — and that this had not occurred because her party was in power. The complainant alleged that while Banerjee did not explicitly name any community, her remarks contained elements capable of disturbing communal harmony.
The complaint further contended that the statements were 'provocative, violent and communal', likely to spread fear and hatred, cause misunderstandings, and disturb peace among multiple communities.
Why the Case Was Transferred to Hare Street
The complaint was originally lodged at Netaji Nagar Police Station in south Kolkata. Since the location where Banerjee allegedly made the remarks falls under the jurisdiction of Hare Street Police Station in central Kolkata, the case was subsequently transferred there for investigation.
The Complainant's Argument
In his complaint, Das argued that the remarks were likely to have a 'profound impact on the minds of the common people' and, if left unaddressed, could undermine communal harmony and disrupt the state's democratic environment. He also alleged the speech violated the model code of conduct applicable before elections and was inconsistent with the Constitution of India. He called for an 'impartial and transparent investigation' into the matter.
Second FIR: Siliguri Cyber Crime Case
This is not the first legal action against Banerjee in recent weeks. Earlier in June, a separate FIR was registered against her at the Siliguri Cyber Crime Police Station in Darjeeling district, based on a complaint filed by a lawyer. In that case, Banerjee was accused of making statements allegedly implicating the Union Home Ministry and Home Minister Amit Shah in connection with the murder of Bangladesh national Osman Hadi at a protest meeting on Rani Rashmoni Road in central Kolkata on 2 June.
Political Context
The back-to-back FIRs come amid a charged electoral climate in West Bengal, where communal polarisation has historically been a flashpoint. Notably, this is the second complaint against Banerjee within weeks, suggesting a pattern of escalating legal challenges against the TMC leadership from political opponents. The outcome of these cases is likely to be closely watched by both the ruling party and the opposition ahead of further electoral contests in the state.
Point of View
But the cases hinge on contested ground — whether remarks that do not explicitly name a community can be deemed communally provocative. The complaints appear politically motivated in their timing, coinciding with an active electoral cycle in West Bengal, though that does not automatically render them without legal merit. What is notable is the jurisdictional complexity: a complaint filed in south Kolkata reaching a police station in central Kolkata points to the deliberate framing of the legal challenge. Courts will ultimately decide, but the political signal is clear — Banerjee's opponents are using legal instruments alongside electoral ones.
NationPress
28 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has an FIR been filed against Mamata Banerjee?
An FIR has been registered against Mamata Banerjee at Hare Street Police Station in Kolkata over allegedly communally provocative remarks she made at a pre-election rally. The complainant, Tushar Kanti Das, alleged that her statement — that a particular community uniting would have caused havoc — was likely to disturb communal harmony and violate the model code of conduct.
Where was the FIR against Mamata Banerjee filed?
The complaint was originally lodged at Netaji Nagar Police Station in south Kolkata on 20 May, but was transferred to Hare Street Police Station in central Kolkata, which has jurisdiction over the location where the remarks were allegedly made.
What exactly did Mamata Banerjee allegedly say?
According to the complaint, Banerjee said at a pre-election rally that if people of a particular community united, there would have been havoc, and that this had not happened because her party was in power. She did not name any specific community, but the complainant argued the remarks were communally loaded.
Is this the only FIR filed against Mamata Banerjee recently?
No. A second FIR was registered against Banerjee earlier in June at Siliguri Cyber Crime Police Station in Darjeeling district. That case relates to remarks she allegedly made at a protest meeting on Rani Rashmoni Road on 2 June, in which she reportedly implicated Home Minister Amit Shah in connection with the murder of Bangladesh national Osman Hadi.
What are the legal implications for Mamata Banerjee?
The FIRs initiate a formal police investigation into the allegations. The complainant has sought an impartial and transparent probe, citing violations of the model code of conduct and the Constitution. Whether charges are eventually framed will depend on the investigation's findings and judicial review.
