Kolkata, August 14: The police in Cooch Behar district of West Bengal registered an FIR against BJP Rajya Sabha member Nagendra Ray, also known as Anant Maharaj, on Friday. He is accused of making derogatory remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
Cooch Behar Superintendent of Police Manish Joshi reported that a complaint was filed against Ray on August 7 by a resident of Ward No. 10 in Cooch Behar Municipality. This complaint was based on the MP’s comments regarding Netaji, prompting the police to take action and file the FIR.
The FIR was lodged just 24 hours after the West Bengal government announced the withdrawal and cancellation of the ‘Banga Vibhushan’ award, which was conferred upon him in February of this year.
Ray’s recent remarks about Netaji have sparked controversy, as he claimed that Netaji had no role in India’s freedom struggle and accused him of misusing the Azad Hind Fauj, a significant force in the independence movement.
Earlier this week, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari told media personnel that anyone making derogatory or unacceptable comments about Netaji would not be spared. He assured that the police would take action against such individuals, regardless of their political affiliations.
Following the Chief Minister’s assurance, two significant actions occurred within 24 hours: the withdrawal of Ray’s ‘Banga Vibhushan’ award on Thursday and the subsequent FIR against him.
Coincidentally, shortly after the state government announced the revocation of his award, Nagendra Ray issued a video message on his social media account, apologizing for his previous comments about Netaji.
He stated, “If my unintentional remarks have hurt anyone mentally, I sincerely apologize with utmost respect for Netaji.” However, despite this apology, he could not evade the legal consequences, leading to the FIR being filed against him.
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