Paresh Rawal Summoned by Kolkata Police Over ‘Cook Fish For Bengalis’ Remark

Bollywood actor and former BJP MP Paresh Rawal has been summoned on December 12 by Kolkata Police over his controversial “cook fish for Bengalis” comment at a rally forward of Gujarat election, ANI repor

Paresh Rawal

Bollywood actor and former BJP MP Paresh Rawal has been summoned on December 12 by Kolkata Police over his controversial “cook fish for Bengalis” comment at a rally forward of Gujarat election, ANI reported. The veteran actor was booked following a criticism by CPI(M) Bengal state secretary Mohammed Salim, who accused Rawal of constructing the speech “to provoke riots” and “destroy the harmony between Bengali community and other communities across the country”.

After Md Salim submitted a criticism towards Rawal on the Taltala police station on December 1, a case was registered below sections 153 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to trigger riot), 153A (whoever intentionally or wantonly causes or provokes any riot), 153B (imputation, assertions prejudicial to nationwide integration), 504 (intentional curiosity with intent to impress breach of the peace) and 505 (with intent to trigger, or which is prone to trigger) of the Indian Penal Code. In his criticism, Salim mentioned the insinuation made within the speech by Rawal was certain to arouse emotions of hatred and unwell will amongst different communities towards Bengalis, IANS reported.

As numerous Bengalis stay outdoors West Bengal, Salim mentioned there was a risk of them being “prejudicially targeted” due to the “vicious” remarks made by Rawal.

The controversy erupted after final week, talking at a rally in Gujarat’s Valsad, Rawal had mentioned, “Gas cylinders are expensive, but their price 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?”

After his feedback went viral, the veteran actor tendered an apology.

“Of course, the fish is not the issue as Gujaratis cook and eat fish. But, to be clear, I meant illegal Bangladeshis and Rohingya. However, if I have offended your thoughts and views, I sincerely apologise,” Rawal had tweeted.

Meanwhile, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra took a dig at Rawal with a tweet, saying, “Actually Kemchcho Slapstickman need not have appologised. The 2nd part of ‘Cook Fish like Bengalis is Have Brains like Bengalis’. Most Nobel laureates than any other Indian state, buddy boy….”

(With company inputs)

Published Date: December 6, 2022 8:33 PM IST