Kolkata: In a big relief for BJP MP and popular Bollywood actor Paresh Rawal, Calcutta High Court has directed the Taratala police not to take any coercive action against him in connection with his “cook fish for Bengalis.” The actor had landed in a soup for his remarks made by him while campaigning for the Gujarat Assembly polls last year. The high court, in its order, stated that that the actor-politician had already apologised for the remark and, therefore, there was no need to take any coercive action.
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) had lodged a police complaint against Rawal in December last year. In its complaint, the party alleged that the veteran actor made the remark to provoke riots and destroy the harmony between the Bengalis and other communities.
A case was registered against the actor on the basis on the complaint filed by CPI(M) state secretary, West Bengal Md. Salim, who said that the actor’s speech could provoke hatred against Bengalis. The CPI-M leader said that he came across a video on various social media platforms about the actor-politician’s speech.
The CPI(M) leader expressed concerns that Bengalis residing in other parts of the country could be targeted as a result of Rawal`s remark.
Addressing an election event in Gujarat, Rawal had said, “Efforts are being made to bring down the price of LPG cylinders. People will get jobs as well. 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?” he said.
He was soon mired in a controversy and the actor was accused of hurting the sentiments of Bengalis. Amid the backlash, the actor took to Twitter to clarify and apologise for his remark.
