Three content creators arrested for posts against the BJP government

BanglaPress Desk: Police in West Bengal have arrested three content creators for social media posts criticizing India’s ruling BJP government and various political issues. The individuals arrested are Akash Sarkar, Surajit Shee, and Srimoyee Chakraborty.

This information was reported by the Indian fact-checking organization, Alt News.

The incident has sparked widespread criticism across the state regarding the role of the police and the state of freedom of speech.

According to the report, one of the three, Akash Sarkar, was granted bail by a court on October 29, following three days in police custody.

Meanwhile, Srimoyee Chakraborty was released on a personal bond by the Bidhannagar East Police Station on October 26.

However, Surajit Shee—a content creator and presenter for the popular Facebook page "Core Bangla Janaganatha"—remains in police custody. He has been charged under several non-bailable sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

It is alleged that Surajit had posted on social media questioning the government's role regarding a stampede in Chorbagan during Durga Puja, which resulted in 19 deaths.

According to the family of Surajit—who is a member of the Indian Rationalist Association—local BJP and RSS activists attacked their home prior to his arrest.

Subsequently, their son was handed over to the police.

Surajit’s lawyer and family members claim that he has been arrested as part of a politically motivated, fabricated case.

Separately, Akash Sarkar was arrested from his home in Nagerbazar on October 25, following allegations that he made critical posts regarding the Durga Puja stampede and directed remarks toward Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee (referred to in the report as "Chief Minister" alongside a mention of Suvendu Adhikari).

Akash maintains that he was framed in the case precisely because he spoke out about the chaos at the Puja pandals and the administrative mismanagement during the idol immersion process.

Additionally, Srimoyee Chakraborty faced police interrogation for her political commentary—specifically regarding a segment titled "Tin Bati" (Three Bowls)—in which she questioned the role of the Chief Minister.

These police actions against the three content creators have reignited a debate on social media concerning freedom of speech and the right to political criticism.