West Bengal Police file FIR against Maktoob Media

The West Bengal Police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Maktoob Media following social media posts regarding allegations made by Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra. Moitra alleged that Muslim IAS and IPS officers were excluded from at least three official meetings during Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visits to the state.

The FIR, filed at the Bidhannagar Cyber Crime Police Station, cites various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to promoting disharmony, circulating false information, and criminal defamation. The police reportedly sought details concerning the login and Android device information used for Maktoob’s X account.

The Press Club of India has condemned the police action, describing it as an “attack on press freedom” and an attempt to stifle independent journalism. The organization noted that while the allegations were widely reported and made public by an MP, there has been no official denial from the government, yet the FIR was filed. The National Commission for Minorities has also taken notice of the matter and requested a response from the West Bengal government.