A police complaint was filed on Friday against actor Paresh Rawal by CPI(M) leader Mohd Salim over his remarks against the Bengali community during an election rally in Gujarat.
In his complaint lodged at Taratola police station, Salim alleged that he saw a video, in which the actor is shown delivering a speech, which could promote feelings of hatred against Bengalis. Salim said Bengalis living in other parts of India may also be affected by the actor’s comments.
Rawal, however, apologized for his remarks. His response came after massive backlash on social media from the Bengali community and some others.
Salim claimed, “Such speeches on public domain are intended to incite riots and create public mischief and destroy harmony between the Bengali community and other communities across the country.”
Salim said Rawal had made an unflattering reference to associating gas cylinders with Bangladeshis, Rohingyas, Bengalis and fishermen, and was booked under sections 153 (provocation with intent to cause riot), 153A (promoting enmity between There was a demand to prosecute the actor under various sections of the IPC. various groups) and 505 (statements making public mischief).
“Of course fish is not an issue as Gujaratis cook and eat fish. But let me clarify that by Bengali I meant illegal Bangladeshi n Rohingya. But still, if I have hurt your feelings and sentiments, I apologise,” the 67-year-old actor and former BJP MP wrote on Twitter.
Fish of course is not an issue as Gujaratis cook and eat fish. But let me make it clear from Bengali that I mean illegal Bangla native n Rohingya. But still if I have hurt your sentiments and feelings then I apologize. https://t.co/MQZ674wTzq– Paresh Rawal (@SirPareshRawal) December 2, 2022
Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra didn’t look too impressed.
“Really Camcho Slapstickman didn’t need to apologize. Cook Fish Like Bengalis is the second part of ‘Have Brain Like Bengalis’. More Nobel laureates than any other Indian state, mate…,” she posted on Twitter.
Actually Kemcho Slapstickman didn’t need to apologize. The second part of Cook fish like Bengalis is “Bengalis have brains like” More Nobel laureates than any other Indian state, Buddy Boy….
Mahua Moitra (@MahuaMoitra) December 2, 2022
Rawal raised the issue of gas cylinder prices, which is an emotive poll issue, at a BJP rally in Valsad district on Tuesday.
“Gas cylinders are expensive, but their price will come down. People will also get employment. But what if Rohingya migrants and Bangladeshis start living around you like in Delhi? What will you do with the gas cylinder? Cook fish for Bengalis?” Rawal had said.
Voting for the first phase of the Gujarat assembly elections took place on Thursday and the second phase will be held on December 5. The counting of votes will take place on December 8.
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