Kolkata, August 14, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Cooch Behar District Police in West Bengal have registered an FIR against BJP Rajya Sabha member Nagendra Ray, alias Ananta Maharaj, over allegedly derogatory remarks about Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.
Cooch Behar District Superintendent of Police Manish Joshi confirmed the development, saying the FIR was registered on the basis of a complaint filed by a resident of Ward No. 10 of Cooch Behar Municipality on August 7.
The complaint concerned Ray’s remarks about Netaji, following which the police initiated the case, Joshi said.
The FIR came within 24 hours of the West Bengal government’s decision on Thursday to withdraw and annul the ‘Banga Vibhushan’ award conferred on Ray in February this year.
Ray had triggered controversy with remarks in which he claimed that Netaji had no role in India’s freedom struggle and accused the iconic freedom fighter of misusing the Azad Hind Fauj.
Earlier this week, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had told media persons that no one would be spared for making derogatory or unacceptable remarks about Netaji and that the police would act irrespective of political affiliation.
The developments involving Ray followed that assurance, with the withdrawal and annulment of the ‘Banga Vibhushan’ award on Thursday followed by the registration of the FIR.
Ray subsequently issued a video apology on his social media account after the state government announced the withdrawal of the award.
“With all due respect to Netaji, I sincerely apologise if anyone has been hurt mentally due to some of my unintentional statements about Netaji,” Ray said in the 17-second video message.
Despite the apology, the police proceeded with the FIR over his remarks.
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