Kolkata, July 27, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Police complaints have been lodged against Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra at multiple police stations in West Bengal over allegations that she displayed a poster carrying an objectionable image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a recent protest in Kolkata.
Among the complaints, BJP leader Keya Ghosh filed one at Anandapur Police Station on Sunday. Similar complaints have also reportedly been submitted at other police stations, including the Bidhannagar Cyber Crime Police Station.
The controversy stems from a protest held in Kolkata on July 24 against the alleged NEET paper leak and demanding the resignation of the then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. During the demonstration, Mitra was photographed holding a poster that allegedly contained an objectionable image of the Prime Minister. The image later circulated widely on social media, prompting complaints against the actress.
According to police sources, no First Information Report (FIR) has been registered so far. Officials said an initial inquiry is underway and a decision on registering an FIR will be taken after examining the complaints. The complaints have reportedly cited provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relating to allegations including incitement to breach of peace, publicly abetting provocative conduct and defamation.
Responding to the controversy, Sreelekha Mitra denied any deliberate intent. She said a photograph of her holding the poster had gone viral but maintained that she had not intentionally posed with an objectionable image.
The actress said she had joined the protest alongside students and youth and was unable to clearly see the poster because she had forgotten to carry her spectacles. She also claimed that amid the crowd and police lathi-charge, she did not examine the contents of the poster before holding it.
BJP leader Keya Ghosh said she had filed the complaint as a citizen and sought legal action against the actress, alleging that the display of such an image of the Prime Minister was unacceptable. She also said that if appropriate action was not taken, the matter would be pursued before the court.
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