Kolkata: A controversy has erupted over alleged derogatory social media posts targeting Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, with a social activist filing a police complaint seeking legal action against two Facebook users accused of posting offensive content about the iconic freedom fighter.
The issue has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many expressing anger over the alleged circulation of objectionable images and comments concerning Netaji, who remains one of India’s most revered freedom fighters.
According to the complaint, two Facebook users identified as Prakash Roy and Amit Rajbanshi allegedly shared morphed images and posts containing offensive remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. The complainant has urged the police to register a case, preserve digital evidence and initiate legal proceedings against the accused.
The controversy comes days after BJP Rajya Sabha MP Nagen Roy, popularly known as Ananta Maharaj, drew criticism over his remarks about Netaji during a public interaction with the media. Following those remarks, several controversial posts and altered images relating to Netaji allegedly began circulating on social media, prompting fresh protests from sections of the public.
Munmun Chakraborty Das, a social activist from the Bishnupur police station area of Bankura district, submitted a written complaint via email on August 1 to the Superintendent of Police and the District Magistrate of Cooch Behar, as the two individuals named in the complaint are stated to be residents of that district.
In the complaint, Munmun Das alleged that the accused had repeatedly published content allegedly insulting Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. According to the complaint, one of the posts allegedly depicted Netaji in a manner that the complainant described as deeply disrespectful and offensive. The complaint states that such content has hurt the sentiments of many people and has the potential to disturb public order.
Complaint Seeks Police Action Over Alleged Offensive Posts
Speaking to eNewsroom, Das said, “In my observation, this is not an isolated incident. Derogatory content about Netaji is being published continuously from these profiles. Such posts can generate public anger, social unrest and adversely affect law and order. Therefore, I have requested the police administration to take appropriate legal action.”
The complainant has urged the authorities to immediately preserve the relevant social media posts and digital evidence, register a criminal case against the accused, conduct an impartial investigation and take action in accordance with the law. Munmun further stated that if no action is taken within a reasonable time, a broader public movement would be launched to press for action.
The controversy also prompted reactions from members of the public.
Sujit Ghosh, reacting to the issue, stated, “The distortion of history and insulting comments about Netaji are unacceptable. Netaji is respected across India irrespective of caste, religion or political belief. His contribution to the country’s freedom struggle has earned him a permanent place in the hearts of the people. We strongly oppose any attempt to insult or spread misinformation about him.”
Susmita Paul Basak commented, “There should be a limit to everything. This time, that limit has been reached. Now, the fire of protest will erupt.”
Another netizen, Anirban Basu, wrote, “Those who do not respect Netaji are traitors.”
As of the time of writing this report, there has been no official statement from the police regarding the complaint, nor has any response been issued by the two individuals named in the complaint. It also remains unclear whether a formal FIR has been registered.
At the time of publication, one of the social media posts referred to in the complaint remained publicly accessible, while several other posts and images cited by the complainant had been deleted.
When eNewsroom contacted the Superintendent of Police, Cooch Behar, both the call and the message went unanswered.
