Harvard-trained academic and Bangla Pokkho co-founder Garga Chatterjee arrested over EVM remarks

Garga Chatterjee — a Harvard-trained cognitive scientist, language activist, and co-founder of the Bengali identity group Bangla Pokkho — was arrested by Kolkata Police on 12 May over social media posts alleging Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) manipulation in West Bengal.

The arrest came just days after Suvendu Adhikari took oath as Chief Minister of West Bengal, intensifying political debate around free speech, misinformation, and regional identity politics in the state.

Arrest linked to EVM tampering allegations

According to police documents cited in media reports, Chatterjee was arrested following two FIRs connected to posts published on his social media accounts.

One complaint was filed by Smita Pandey, who alleged that Chatterjee falsely claimed EVMs stored at strong rooms in Kolkata North were being tampered with.

The complaint stated that the posts spread “false, fabricated and misleading” information and could create “social unrest” and “terror” among the public.

Police subsequently booked Chatterjee under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Information Technology Act, including provisions related to false statements, defamation, conspiracy, and electronic offences.

A second FIR was later filed suo motu by the Cyber Police Station at Lalbazar over what authorities described as “controversial and provocative” posts capable of inciting public disorder and communal disharmony.

Academic background: From Kolkata Medical College to Harvard and MIT

Beyond activism, Chatterjee is known in academic circles for his scientific background.

He completed his MBBS from Kolkata Medical College before pursuing advanced research in cognitive science abroad.

Chatterjee earned a PhD from Harvard University in cognition, brain, and behavior studies at the Vision Sciences Lab.

He later conducted postdoctoral research at the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences at Massachusetts Institute of Technology between 2011 and 2014.

He also taught as a lecturer at Lesley University and currently serves as a faculty member at the Indian Statistical Institute.

Rise of Bangla Pokkho and Bengali identity politics

Chatterjee co-founded Bangla Pokkho in 2019 with Kaushik Maiti.

The organisation campaigns against what it calls the “marginalisation” of Bengali language and culture. Over the years, the group gained visibility through protests related to attacks on Bengali-speaking migrant workers in other Indian states and campaigns promoting Bengali linguistic identity.

Critics, however, have accused the group of encouraging exclusionary regional politics and xenophobic rhetoric.

Chatterjee’s social media activity frequently portrayed the Bharatiya Janata Party as an “outsider” force in West Bengal and urged voters to support the All India Trinamool Congress or the Left Front to preserve Bengal’s social fabric.

Earlier controversies and arrests

This is not Chatterjee’s first brush with controversy.

In 2022, Kolkata Police arrested him over remarks allegedly insulting Assamese sentiments and promoting enmity between communities.

The controversy stemmed from comments about Swargadeo Sukapha, the founder of Assam’s Ahom dynasty. Chatterjee later issued a public apology through a video statement.

Supporters allege political targeting

Bangla Pokkho leaders have alleged that the latest police action is politically motivated.

Kaushik Maiti claimed Chatterjee had already deleted several posts after receiving police notices and had sought additional time to appear before investigators.

According to Maiti, Chatterjee was arrested before the requested extension expired.

Supporters also alleged that false claims were circulated suggesting ammunition had been recovered from his residence and that Bangla Pokkho members had Maoist links — allegations they strongly denied.

Police Commissioner Ajay Nand stated that Chatterjee was arrested for repeatedly posting about alleged election malpractices and making inflammatory comments concerning different communities.

Chatterjee’s lawyer, Antarikha Basu, is expected to move a bail plea on 16 May.

Larger debate: Free speech vs misinformation

The case has sparked broader debate in West Bengal over the line between political speech and misinformation.

Supporters argue Chatterjee is being targeted for dissent and regional activism, while critics contend that unverified allegations regarding EVM tampering can undermine democratic institutions and provoke unrest.

The arrest also reflects the growing scrutiny of social media speech in politically polarised environments, where online narratives increasingly influence public trust in elections and governance.