'Anti-Bengali remark row': Paresh Rawal seeks more time from Kolkata Police to appear for probe

Responding to Kolkata police's summon over alleged anti-Bengali remarks, actor Paresh Rawal has sought more time to appear for an in-person probe.

The BJP leader, as per an India Today report, sought 6-week's time from the concerned investigating citing his 'busy work schedule.'

Kolkata Police on December 6 registered an FIR against the Rawal over his alleged hate speech, following a complaint by CPI (M) West Bengal State Secretary Mohammad Salim who alleged that Rawal's comments were inciteful.

Also watch: Kolkata Police summons actor Paresh Rawal for 'cook fish for the Bengalis' comment

Rawal had taken up the subject of gas cylinder prices at the BJP rally in Gujarat's Valsad earlier this month where he took a "cook fish for Bengalis" jibe seemingly at Rohingya migrants.

"Gas cylinders are expensive, but their price will come down. People will get employment too. But what will happen if Rohingya migrants and Bangladeshis start living around you, like in Delhi? "What will you do with gas cylinders? Cook fish for the Bengalis?" the former BJP MP had said.

He was booked under various sections of the IPC after CPI(M) leader and the party's state secretary Mohammed Salim lodged a complaint against him, alleging that the actor's utterances tantamounted to hate speech, which could promote feelings of hatred against Bengalis.

Rawal, however, apologised for his comments following a huge backlash on social media.

(With input from PTI)