FIR Filed Against TMC Supremo Mamata Banerjee; Siliguri Lawyer Alleges ‘Threat to National Sovereignty’

A lawyer from Siliguri has lodged a formal complaint against former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, alleging that remarks made by her during a recent protest programme in Kolkata's Dharmatala could undermine India's sovereignty, internal security and diplomatic relations with Bangladesh.

The complaint was filed at the Siliguri Cyber Crime Police Station by advocate Rinku Chattopadhyay Singh, who has accused Banerjee of making statements that were "provocative" and "contrary to the Constitution." The complainant has sought legal action against the former chief minister, alleging that her comments questioned the integrity and credibility of constitutional institutions, including the Election Commission and central security agencies.

According to the complaint, Banerjee's remarks, made during a sit-in demonstration at Y-Channel in Dharmatala, could have far-reaching implications beyond domestic politics. The FIR alleges that the statements have the potential to adversely affect India's internal security framework and strain diplomatic relations with neighbouring Bangladesh.

In the complaint submitted to the police, the lawyer claimed that Banerjee publicly levelled allegations against the Union Government and the Union Home Ministry before both the public and the media. He alleged that such statements could diminish the credibility and international standing of the Government of India and foster hostility between two sovereign nations.

The FIR further states that while the comments may have been made for political reasons, they could potentially impact India's sovereignty, unity and international image. The complainant has urged authorities to investigate the matter and take appropriate legal action if the allegations referred to in Banerjee's speech are found to be factual.

Rinku Chattopadhyay Singh also argued that the remarks could trigger tensions between communities and affect diplomatic engagement between India and Bangladesh. Speaking after filing the complaint, he said he would seek an expedited legal resolution through the courts, describing the matter as one linked to national security.

"This concerns the country's internal security mechanism. There is no guarantee that the statement will not have repercussions, including consequences for minorities in Bangladesh," the complainant said.

What Did Mamata Banerjee Say?

The controversy stems from remarks made by Banerjee while addressing supporters during a dharna programme in central Kolkata.

During her speech, Banerjee referred to the arrest of an alleged Bangladeshi criminal and claimed that a significant development had occurred involving law enforcement agencies in both countries.

"A major accused from Bangladesh had been arrested by the STF. There was considerable reaction in Bangladesh over that incident. I do not want to speak about another country because I do not have the right to do so," Banerjee said.

She then went on to describe how the individual allegedly entered West Bengal through Meghalaya before being apprehended by the West Bengal Special Task Force.

"When he entered Bengal, our STF arrested him. That is their credit," she said.
Banerjee further claimed that she had received a phone call from the Union Home Minister following the arrest. Without naming any individual, she suggested that she had refrained from speaking publicly about the matter for a long time.
"The Home Minister himself called me. I did not speak about it then. I remained silent. Now the situation has crossed all limits," she said.

As some supporters present at the venue urged her to reveal the identity of the individual concerned, Banerjee declined.
"No, I will not disclose the name in the national interest," she said. "I am not naming anyone out of courtesy. People in Bangladesh may become agitated. I do not want that. I love my country."

Banerjee also claimed that she possessed extensive information relating to the incident and other developments.
"Even if governments change, remember that I know everything. My heart is a repository of information and truth," she said.

Reference to Bangladesh Political Killing?

Although Banerjee did not identify any individual by name, political observers and officials familiar with the matter believe her remarks may have referred to the murder of Bangladeshi political activist Sharif Osman Hadi, convenor of the Inquilab Mancha in Bangladesh.
Hadi was shot in Dhaka on December 12 last year ahead of Bangladesh's general election and later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital in Singapore.

In March this year, two Bangladeshi nationals accused in the murder case were arrested by the West Bengal STF from the Bongaon border region while allegedly attempting to cross into Bangladesh. The accused were identified as Faisal Karim Masud alias Rahul, a resident of Patuakhali, and Alamgir Hossain of Dhaka.

Following the arrests, discussions surrounding the case surfaced in Bangladesh, although neither the government led by Tarique Rahman nor major opposition parties issued any official statement on the matter.