Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram
Journalism of Courage
His office hoarding removed, Abhishek Banerjee slams police, says will move court against ‘trespass’
According to government officials, the hoarding was illegal, and KMC had received a complaint.
The Diamond Harbour MP alleged that officials of Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and police “illegally” barged into his office and pushed and heckled him and other senior party leaders, including fellow MP Derek O’Brien. (Express photo)
The Mamata Banerjee faction of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Thursday accused the Kolkata Police of “hooliganism” after a commotion ensued at party MP Abhishek Banerjee’s Camac Street office in Kolkata when a team of municipal officials, accompanied by a huge contingent of police personnel, removed the party’s hoarding atop the office building.
The Diamond Harbour MP alleged that officials of Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) and police “illegally” barged into his office and pushed and heckled him and other senior party leaders, including fellow MP Derek O’Brien.
The incident began around 4 pm when a team of KMC officials and police officers reached the MP’s office on Camac Street in central Kolkata. TMC Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien and other party leaders, who were present there, tried to speak with the officials, but failed to convince them. A little later, Abhishek Banerjee reached the spot, and an altercation ensued between him and the officials.
“This is a private premise. You cannot enter. This is trespassing. Show me the complaint letter. You have to show relevant papers and serve us a notice first. I will file a case,” Abhishek was heard saying to the officials.
Abhishek Banerjee reached the spot, and an altercation ensued between him and the officials. (Express photo)
According to government officials, the hoarding was illegal, and KMC had received a complaint.
Later, police tried to enter the premises but were stopped by TMC workers and private security guards. Finally, around 5.30 pm, the police personnel were able to enter the building and removed the hoarding.
In the evening, Abhishek, in a Facebook Live post, said: “The police came in and forced their way into the office. Our senior leaders were pushed and heckled. Then they forcibly removed the signboard of our party from the building. No notice was served to us. We were not given any time to respond legally. None of the legal procedures were followed. We will approach the High Court over this.”
Story continues below this ad
In a statement, the TMC accused the Kolkata Police of hooliganism. “In a brazen display of hooliganism, today Kolkata Police barged into Abhishek Banerjee’s office in Camac Street, Kolkata with an ILLEGAL NOTICE… The Kolkata Municipal representative failed to display any valid notice. Instead with the help of cops they barged into office:- Assaulted MPs- Derek O’Brien, Abhishek Banerjee. Pushed and heckled party supporters and staff. The clothes of the women security personnel at the office were torn. Tomorrow, the party will move court against this brutality, harassment and illegal action/ trespassing by Kolkata Police.”
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
Advertisement
Loading Recommendations...
Advertisement
Live Blog
Advertisement