Congress leader summoned by police for ‘burning’ Bageshwar Baba's photo over Durga Puja remark
A West Bengal Congress leader has been summoned by police following a protest where a photograph of preacher Dhirendra Krishna Shastri was burned. The demonstration was sparked by Shastri's controversial remarks regarding Bengali food practices during Durga Puja.
Why it matters
The incident highlights rising political and religious tensions in West Bengal, reflecting broader debates over cultural sensitivity and freedom of expression in India.
West Bengal Congress general secretary Ashutosh Chatterjee on Sunday (September 13, 2026) said he was summoned by the police over the alleged burning of a photograph of Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, popularly known as Bageshwar Baba, during a protest over the preacher's comments regarding Durga Puja.
In a statement, Mr. Chatterjee said a notice from the Bhawanipur police station was served on him around 10 a.m., directing him to appear before the investigating officer in the case at 3 p.m.
He said state Congress president Subhankar Sarkar had been informed about the development.
The case relates to a September 8 demonstration outside the Bhawanipur police station in south Kolkata over remarks made by Mr. Shastri about Bengalis, Bengal's culture and food practices during Durga Puja.
During the protest, a photograph of Mr. Shastri was allegedly trampled upon, struck with footwear and burnt, police said.
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