HC dismisses case against Paresh Rawal over controversial comments on Bengalis

Actor and BJP leader Paresh Rawal has been granted relief by the Calcutta high court. An FIR was lodged against him at the Kolkata police station for his "controversial" statement regarding Bengalis. Based on an FIR filed by Mohammad Salim, state secretary of the CPI(M), a show-cause notice was sent to him. Famous actor of 'Hera Pheri' avoided the first appearance. This time he challenged the appearence notice of the Taltala police station by knocking on the door of the court. The High Court, while hearing it, dismissed the case against him.

While hearing the case, Justice Mantha of the High Court said that he apologized through a tweet. The court today dismissed the case and stayed all investigations against Paresh Rawal. In the last hearing, the lawyer of CPM leader Mohammad Salim, who had complained to the police station, wanted to know whether after considering the entire incident, it was necessary to keep the complaint alive. Lawyers on the day said the court should do what it thinks best in this regard. After that, the court quashed the FIR and ordered to stop all investigations against Paresh Rawal.

According to reports, actor Paresh Rawal got embroiled in controversy by commenting on the practice of Bengalis eating fish and rice. The actor made a comment about Bengalis last year while campaigning for the BJP in the 2022 Gujarat elections. He said, "Gas cylinders are expensive but they will come down. People will get employment too. But what will happen if Rohingya migrants and Bangladeshis start living around you, like in Delhi? What will you do with gas cylinders? Cook fish for the Bengalis?" Once the comment went viral, anger flared among Bengalis. It was heavily criticized.

Against this statement, CPI(M) state secretary Mohammad Salim filed an FIR against the actor. An FIR has been lodged at Taltal police station. Shortly after this, Lalbazar called actor Paresh Rawal. Several cases of spreading enmity, deliberate insult and public ridicule have been registered against Paresh Rawal. Lalbazar issued summons against Paresh Rawal on 12 December. According to the Kolkata Police, a summons under Section 41A has been issued against the actor. He was asked to report to Taltal police station. In response to this announcement, Paresh Rawal sent an email to Lalbazar. He sent a message to the investigating officer of the Taltal police station that he needed six more weeks to appear in Calcutta. He then appealed to the High Court against it.