BJP Rajya Sabha MP Nagendra Roy, popularly known as Ananta Maharaj, is facing fresh trouble over his controversial remarks on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. A day after the West Bengal government withdrew the Bangabibhushan honour conferred on him, Cooch Behar police registered an FIR against the leader following a complaint by a Forward Bloc supporter.
The complaint was filed by Cooch Behar resident and Forward Bloc supporter Gopal Dey over Ananta's alleged derogatory comments about Netaji. Police have since begun an investigation.
The controversy erupted after Ananta allegedly claimed that Netaji had played no role in India's independence and also accused him of misusing the Indian National Army.
The West Bengal government had conferred the Bangabibhushan, the state's highest civilian honour, on Ananta in February 2021. On Thursday, the state government announced that the award was being withdrawn after reviewing his recent conduct and remarks. The government said retaining the honour was “not consistent with the dignity and prestige” associated with the award.
Within hours of the announcement, Ananta issued a video statement expressing regret over his comments.
“Respecting Netaji, I sincerely apologise if anyone was mentally hurt by any inadvertent remarks I made about him,” Ananta said in the 17-second video.
However, the apology did not prevent the police action.
‘We demand his arrest’: complainant
Dey, who lodged the complaint, strongly objected to Ananta's remarks and questioned how such statements could be made about Netaji.
“We follow the ideals of the Forward Bloc. Netaji is a hero not just of Bengal or India, but of the entire world,” Dey said. He added, “We have lodged this complaint and demand that his Rajya Sabha membership be cancelled. We hope he is arrested immediately.”
According to Cooch Behar Superintendent of Police Manish Joshi, the complaint was lodged on August 7 by a resident of Ward 10. The FIR was subsequently registered on the basis of the complaint.
Police action over Netaji-related posts
The controversy comes amid a wider police crackdown over allegedly objectionable social media posts concerning Netaji. The state government has said such content will not be tolerated and that its cyber cell is identifying posts and taking action against those responsible.
Several people have already been arrested in connection with such cases.
Responding to questions over whether the law would also apply to Ananta, the state government said that “no one is above the law.”
Five arrested in Cooch Behar so far
Three people were arrested in Cooch Behar on Thursday over alleged insults directed at Netaji. One of them, teacher Uttam Barman, reportedly expressed regret over his remarks.
The other two accused, Pintu Roy and Krishna Karji, are said to be supporters of Ananta and have maintained their position. They were produced before a court on Friday.
With the latest FIR against Ananta, at least five people have so far been arrested in Cooch Behar in connection with allegations of insulting Netaji.
