KOLKATA — Demonstrators gathered outside the main office of Anandabazar Patrika in Kolkata on Tuesday, with individuals painting sections of the building's exterior pillars saffron while raising slogans against the media house.
The demonstration was triggered by an August 21 article covering campus clashes between student groups at Jadavpur University, in which the newspaper used the Bengali phrase "Gerua Gundami" ("Saffron Hooliganism") in its headline.
Overview of the Row
- The Headline & Backlash: Political and religious groups strongly criticized the phrase, maintaining that associating the color saffron—a sacred religious symbol—with hooliganism hurt religious sentiments.
Demands were made for a public apology on the newspaper's front page. - Police Action & FIR: Following a complaint by local spiritual leader Sanjay Shastri Maharaj, Kolkata’s Bowbazar Police Station registered an FIR against senior editorial staff, including the editor and chief reporter, under sections related to promoting enmity and outraging religious feelings.
- Press Rights Response: Several journalism bodies—including the Press Association and the Indian Women's Press Corps (IWPC)—issued statements condemning the legal actions and physical intimidation, calling the FIR an attack on press freedom.
Following Tuesday's demonstration, the painted pillars were quickly scrubbed and repainted by staff.
