Actor Sreelekha Mitra has come under legal scrutiny after multiple complaints were filed against her for allegedly displaying an offensive image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a student protest against the alleged NEET-UG paper leak in Kolkata.
The complaints stem from the July 24 demonstration, where protesters demanded accountability over the alleged examination irregularities and sought the resignation of then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Mitra had participated in the protest and was photographed holding a placard that allegedly carried an objectionable depiction of the Prime Minister.
BJP leader Keya Ghosh lodged a complaint against the actor at Anandapur Police Station. Similar complaints have reportedly been filed with the Bidhannagar Cyber Crime Police Station and several other police stations across West Bengal.
According to police sources, the complaints have been received, but no FIR has been registered so far. Officials said a preliminary inquiry is underway to determine whether a formal case will be initiated.
The complaints reportedly invoke provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relating to acts that may incite public disorder, public endorsement of provocative conduct and defamation.
Responding to the controversy, Mitra denied intentionally displaying the poster and said the image circulating on social media had been taken out of context.
"A photograph of me holding a particular poster has gone viral. I may be opposed to the BJP, but calling me anti-national is absolutely ridiculous. It is equally absurd to think that I deliberately posed with that poster," she said.
The actor claimed she had joined the protest in support of students and was unaware of the contents of the placard because she had forgotten to carry her prescription glasses.
"I had forgotten my glasses and was carrying only my sunglasses. I could not properly see the poster in the crowd," she said.
Mitra added that the situation had turned chaotic due to police action, leaving her with little time to examine the placard before photographs were taken.
"There was a police baton charge at the time. I somehow posed for a picture but never turned the poster around to see what exactly was printed on it," she said.
Demanding strict legal action, BJP leader Keya Ghosh said her complaint was made in her capacity as a citizen and not merely as a party functionary.
"I was deeply hurt to see such an offensive image of the Prime Minister. Appropriate legal action should be taken against Sreelekha Mitra. Such acts deserve strict punishment, and she should be arrested immediately. If no action is taken, we will move the court," Ghosh said.
Police are currently examining the complaints and are expected to decide on the registration of an FIR after completing the preliminary inquiry.
