FIR AGAINST ACTOR MUNMUN DUTTA IN MUMBAI

Congress activists ensure that the actress Munmun Dutta is booked under Prevention of Atrocities Act for casteist slur on social media - Jyothi Venkatesh

After a fortnight an FIR has been lodged in Mumbai against television star Munmun Dutta, who who is very popularly known for her portrayal of “Babita ji” in the extremely popular TV serial “Tarak Mehta Ka Ulta Chashma”.

On 10th May 2021 the actress through her verified Instagram handle (@mmoonstar) used casteist slur trying to emphasize that she wants to ensure that she wants to look beautiful and not look like a “Bhangi”.

Congress activist Vinod Kajaniya from Mulund, also office bearer of Valmiki Vikas Sangh, had filed a complaint with Goregaon police station on 12th May 2021 requesting filing of an FIR against Dutta.

The police station then forwarded the complaint to Amboli police station under whose jurisdiction the actress resides.

On 26th May 2021, an FIR was registered by police under various sections of The Scheduled Castes & Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act 2015 along with section 295 of IPC by complainant, and office bearer of Valmiki Vikas Sangh, Reshampal Bohit.

There have been FIR’s in other states against Duttas remark but this is the only FIR registred in Maharashtra & Mumbai. Activists are now demanding immediate arrest of Munmun Dutta.

“There are many actors from Valmiki community in the TV & Film industry who are beautiful and thus Munmun Duttas remark of attributing specific community to ugliness was extremely shocking and has hurt millions from the community; including her fans.

Taking cognizance of her status as a popular Television Star & Celebrity her remarks should have been more responsible & sensitive.

Nevertheless it is essential that an example should be set by arresting Dutta for her casteist remark so that the citizens and celebrities take cue and refrain from insulting or demeaning SC & ST community with similar remarks”, said Rajesh Ingle Executive Member of Mumbai Congress.