At a time when actor-turned-MP Dev of Trinamul Congress is promoting his latest film Raghu Dakat across North Bengal, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) leadership in the region has expressed displeasure over the state government’s decision not to permit the screening of the film Bengal Files in West Bengal.
Speaking on the issue, VHP’s north Bengal leader Laxman Bansal said that the party failed to understand chief minister Mamata Banerjee’s stance. “She identifies herself as Hindu and often tries to prove she is pro-Hindu, but at the same time she does not allow the release of this film,” he alleged. According to him, Bengal Files highlights “historical instances where Hindus were subjected to physical and mental atrocities at different levels.”
Mr Bansal also raised concern over what he termed as the growing threat of ‘love jihad,’ claiming that the problem has reached “an alarming situation across the country, especially in West Bengal.” He alleged that “Muslim youths are using fake identities on social media platforms to influence minor Hindu girls,” and further claimed that “several minor girls remain missing in different parts of the state.”
Citing examples from the region, he said that “dozens of girls have gone missing from north Bengal districts.” He further claimed that Bajrang Dal members had rescued more than fifty girls over the past few months “after police allegedly showed reluctance despite parents filing complaints.” According to him, the outfit recently rescued a girl, who had allegedly been kidnapped from Tamil Nadu.
Actor Dev and his team members of the film Raghu Dakat offered prayers at Sevoke Kali Temple near Siliguri on Monday.