A fresh controversy linked to the aftermath of the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections has brought Tollywood actors Parambrata Chatterjee and Swastika Mukherjee back into the talks. A complaint lodged with Kolkata Police has accused the two actors of allegedly posting remarks on social media that were connected to the post-poll violence that erupted across the state after election results were declared.
The complaint was submitted at Gariahat Police Station on Thursday by advocate Joydeep Sen, who sought legal action over posts allegedly shared by the actors on May 2, 2021.
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Complaint References Alleged Social Media Activity
According to the complaint, Parambrata Chatterjee allegedly posted on Twitter, now known as X, around 4 pm on May 2, 2021: “Let this day be declared as World Thrashing Day.” It further alleged that Swastika Mukherjee endorsed the post shortly afterwards.
“The content of the afore-printed tweet of Parambrata Chatterjee on May 2, 2021 on the face of it appears to abate, encourage, incite and instigate large scale violence at such time when violence against BJP workers had already started to circulate. In fact, around an hour after this tweet, one Abhijit Sarkar of Beleghata was brutally murdered by TMC cadres, in which case the culprits have already been sentenced,” the complaint stated.
“It appears that another film actress namely Swastika Mukherjee had endorsed such instigation and abatement of organised violence against BJP workers and supporters at large,” it added.
The complaint also mentioned that Chatterjee’s post was reportedly retweeted hundreds of times and received thousands of views online.
FIR Demand And Allegations
The complainant has reportedly requested the registration of an FIR against both actors, alleging that their remarks encouraged large-scale violence during an already volatile political atmosphere in the state.
“A complaint has already been filed against Parambrata Chatterjee and Swastika Mukherjee under Section 107 of the Indian Penal Code. Their remarks had instigated the murders of BJP workers, the rape and molestation of BJP women workers, and the violence allegedly carried out by the Trinamool Congress in 2021,” the complainant said.
The complaint further linked the timing of the social media interactions to incidents that unfolded later that evening, including the killing of BJP worker Abhijit Sarkar in Beliaghata.
Background Of The 2021 Bengal Violence
The violence that followed the 2021 West Bengal Assembly election remained one of the state’s most politically charged episodes. After the Trinamool Congress returned to power for a third consecutive term, allegations of attacks, intimidation, arson and assaults surfaced from several districts.
The Calcutta High Court later directed the CBI to investigate allegations related to murder and crimes against women, while a Special Investigation Team was also constituted.
Polling for the election had taken place in eight phases between March 27 and April 29, with turnout figures crossing 80 per cent, according to Election Commission data. Reports of violent incidents continued through the election period and intensified after results were declared on May 2, 2021.
Both Parambrata Chatterjee and Swastika Mukherjee did not comment on the latest developments on Thursday.