Trouble for Bengal CM: Complaint Filed Against Mamata Banerjee Over Post Alleging Delhi Police Assaulted Woman
In a fresh political flashpoint that has sparked nationwide attention, a formal complaint has been filed against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for a controversial social media post in which she alleged that the Delhi Police brutally beat up a woman protester. The complaint, lodged by a Delhi-based lawyer and BJP supporter, accuses Banerjee of spreading misinformation and inciting public unrest.
The Controversial Post: What Mamata Said
On Monday, Mamata Banerjee took to X (formerly Twitter) to post a strongly worded message along with a video that appeared to show a woman being allegedly mishandled by uniformed personnel during a protest in the national capital. Her post read:
“Shocking! Is this the face of democracy? A woman being mercilessly beaten up by Delhi Police for raising her voice? Shameful and inhuman. The people of India will not forgive this brutality.”
The post quickly went viral, amassing thousands of retweets and triggering a fierce online debate.
The Complaint: Allegations of Fake News and Defamation
The complaint was filed at Parliament Street Police Station in New Delhi by advocate Praveen Singh, who alleged that Mamata Banerjee’s post was “deliberately misleading, inflammatory, and aimed at tarnishing the image of Delhi Police”.
The complaint calls for legal action under the following charges:
- Section 153 and 153A of IPC (promoting enmity and inciting riots)
- Section 505(2) IPC (spreading false information with intent to create public alarm)
- Sections of the IT Act for sharing misleading content online
Praveen Singh wrote in his complaint:
“The Chief Minister of a state must act responsibly. By spreading unverified and context-less videos, Mamata Banerjee has put national peace and the morale of security forces at risk.”
Delhi Police Responds
Soon after Mamata’s post gained traction, the Delhi Police issued an official clarification, stating that the incident shown in the video was from a previous protest, and the woman was escorted, not assaulted. According to the police, the video was “selectively edited to present a false narrative.”
A senior officer said:
“No woman was beaten up. Proper protocols were followed during the protest dispersal. We request public figures to verify facts before making public allegations.”
Political Backlash: BJP vs TMC
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swiftly condemned Mamata Banerjee’s remarks, accusing her of “peddling lies for political mileage.”
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said:
“This is not just irresponsible; it’s dangerous. Mamata Banerjee is fanning anti-police sentiments using fake news. If a CM can stoop to this level, it shows their desperation.”
On the other hand, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has defended its leader, stating that her post was a reaction to disturbing visuals and part of her commitment to protect democratic values and women’s rights.
TMC MP Saugata Roy countered:
“Instead of addressing the core issue of police high-handedness, the BJP is busy filing complaints. This is political vendetta, plain and simple.”
Legal and Constitutional Implications
This incident raises important questions about freedom of speech vs responsible governance. While public figures, including elected officials, enjoy the right to express views on public matters, legal experts argue that the dissemination of potentially false information by someone in constitutional office can have serious ramifications.
Constitutional expert P.D. Sharma noted:
“A Chief Minister’s post is not just personal opinion — it carries constitutional weight. Any misinformation, especially about law enforcement agencies, can trigger public unrest and deserves scrutiny.”
What Happens Next?
- Police are currently reviewing the complaint and verifying the content of the post and video.
- No FIR has been registered yet, but sources suggest an inquiry has been initiated.
- The matter may be escalated to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, considering it involves an interstate political controversy and law enforcement image.
- Legal notices or summons may be issued to social media platforms under the IT Rules, 2021 for the original video’s origin and spread.
The Bigger Picture: Social Media and Political Accountability
This incident has once again highlighted the growing power — and peril — of social media in Indian politics. When a state leader posts without full context or verification, the impact can be immediate, viral, and potentially destabilizing.
As political discourse increasingly moves online, there’s a pressing need for greater accountability from public figures, especially in a time where misinformation can fuel unrest in a matter of minutes.
A War of Words With Legal Consequences
Mamata Banerjee’s post has snowballed into a full-blown legal and political storm. Whether her message was a genuine concern or a politically charged misstep, it has certainly reignited the debate over how far free expression can go — especially when it comes from the highest offices.
With both the police and the courts likely to get involved, this controversy is far from over — and the implications may stretch well beyond Delhi and Bengal.
