Police Complaints Filed Against Actress Sreelekha Mitra Over Protest Poster Featuring PM Modi

Kolkata, July 2026 : Bengali actress Sreelekha Mitra has come under legal scrutiny after multiple police complaints were filed against her over an allegedly objectionable poster featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi that she was seen holding during a recent protest in Kolkata.

The complaints stem from a demonstration held on July 24, when students, youth groups and civil society members gathered in Kolkata to protest the alleged NEET examination paper leak and demand the resignation of the then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Sreelekha Mitra had joined the protest in support of the demonstrators.

During the event, photographs of the actress holding a protest poster circulated widely on social media. The poster allegedly contained an obscene depiction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, triggering outrage among BJP leaders and supporters.

BJP leader Keya Ghosh lodged a complaint against Mitra at Anandapur Police Station on the southern outskirts of Kolkata. Similar complaints have reportedly been submitted at several police stations across West Bengal, including the Bidhannagar Cyber Crime Police Station, seeking legal action against the actress.

According to police sources, no First Information Report (FIR) has been registered so far. Officials said an initial inquiry is underway, after which authorities will decide whether a formal case should be initiated. The complaints reportedly invoke provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections relating to incitement, provocative conduct and defamation.

Responding to the controversy, Sreelekha Mitra denied any deliberate intent to display an offensive image. She said she had joined the protest in solidarity with students and young people and was unaware of the contents of the poster she was holding.

In a public statement, the actress said that while she has political differences with the BJP, allegations branding her a traitor or accusing her of intentionally displaying an objectionable image were baseless. She explained that she had forgotten to carry her prescription glasses and only had sunglasses with her, making it difficult to clearly see the poster amid the large crowd.

Mitra further claimed that the atmosphere at the protest was chaotic due to police action, including an alleged lathi-charge, and she did not get an opportunity to closely examine the poster before photographs were taken.

Meanwhile, BJP leader Keya Ghosh maintained that the issue transcends party politics and concerns respect for the office of the Prime Minister. She said she was deeply offended as a citizen and demanded strict legal action against the actress.

Ghosh urged authorities to initiate proceedings under the law and warned that if prompt action was not taken, the matter would be pursued in court.

The controversy has generated intense debate on social media, with supporters and critics expressing differing views on freedom of expression, political protest and the limits of acceptable public discourse. Police are continuing their preliminary inquiry before deciding on further legal action.