Anandabazar Patrika Office Painted Saffron in Kolkata Amid ‘Saffron Hooliganism’ Row
Kolkata: A group of saffron-clad Hindutva workers painted parts of the Anandabazar Patrika (ABP) office saffron on Tuesday, September 1.
The incident took place amid a growing controversy over the newspaper’s use of the phrase “saffron hooliganism” in a report on violence at Jadavpur University.
Videos from outside the Kolkata office showed men painting two white pillars near the main entrance. Several other people gathered outside and raised slogans against the Bengali daily.
The protest comes days after an FIR was registered against senior journalists of Anandabazar Patrika. The case was filed at Bowbazar police station on August 28.
The FIR names editor Ishani Dutta Roy, chief reporter Soma Mukherjee, and others from the editorial team. The complaint objected to the use of the term “gerua gundami”, which translates to “saffron hooliganism.”
What Triggered the Controversy?
Anandabazar Patrika used the phrase in a front-page headline on August 21. The report covered clashes at Jadavpur University involving members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad and Left-affiliated student groups.
The wording triggered criticism from Hindu religious figures and political leaders.
The complainant argued that saffron is a religious symbol for Hindus. He alleged that linking the colour with hooliganism hurt religious sentiments and could disturb public peace.
Suvendu Adhikari Demands Apology
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had also criticised the newspaper over the headline.
Adhikari demanded that Anandabazar Patrika apologise for using the expression. He also called for the apology to be published prominently.
His remarks came before the FIR was registered against the newspaper’s journalists.
The controversy intensified after Adhikari warned that protests could follow if the newspaper did not apologise.
Press Bodies Raise Concern
The FIR has also triggered concern among press organisations.
The Indian Women’s Press Corps and the Press Association criticised the case against the journalists. They described the increasing use of FIRs against journalists as disturbing.
The organisations called for the case to be withdrawn. They also urged authorities not to use criminal proceedings to intimidate or suppress journalists.
Protest Outside ABP Office
On Tuesday, saffron-clad protesters gathered outside the Anandabazar Patrika office in Kolkata.
They raised slogans demanding respect for the saffron colour. Some protesters also shouted slogans against the newspaper.
The demonstration reportedly continued for nearly an hour. Police personnel were present at the location during the protest.
The incident has added another layer to the ongoing dispute involving journalism, political expression and religious sentiment in West Bengal.
SEO Title: Anandabazar Patrika Office Painted Saffron Amid ‘Saffron Hooliganism’ Row
Meta Description: Anandabazar Patrika’s Kolkata office was painted saffron by protesters amid controversy over its ‘saffron hooliganism’ headline and an FIR against journalists.
Focus Keyword: Anandabazar Patrika office painted saffron
Related Keywords: Anandabazar Patrika news, saffron hooliganism controversy, Suvendu Adhikari, Jadavpur University violence, ABP office Kolkata, Anandabazar Patrika FIR, West Bengal news
Suggested URL Slug: "anandabazar-patrika-office-painted-saffron-kolkata"