A fight broke out between Trinamool Congress supporters and Kolkata Police after Kolkata Municipal Corporation officials arrived at Abhishek Banerjee’s Camac Street office to remove an alleged illegal billboard.
Abhishek Banerjee was seen having a heated argument with the police and municipal officials for some time at the doorstep of the building, as high drama unfolded at his Camac Street office.
They won’t grant permission for Trinamool’s meetings or rallies; they will attack leaders, vandalise party offices, and tear down billboards-is the fear really that deep? Earlier reporting noted: Kolkata: High drama unfolded on Thursday afternoon as a joint team of KMC officials and police arrived at the Camac Street office of Trinamool Congress national general secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee to remove a billboard bearing the party’s name. Officials have alleged that the billboard was installed illegally, a claim the Diamond Harbour MP refused to accept. Banerjee was seen having a heated argument with the police and municipal officials for some time at the doorstep of the building, as high drama unfolded at his Camac Street office. The TMC MP lashed out at officials, while his supporters raised slogans against them. The billboard, bearing TMC signage, set up on an iron structure facing the road on the top floor of the building, was dismantled by the KMC personnel after police forced their way inside. “There is a concerted effort to forcibly finish off the Trinamool. Why is the BJP so afraid? Upon receiving the news, Abhishek, along with senior leaders Vaishwanar Chatterjee and Derek O’Brien, arrived at the scene. They contended that the copy of the order presented by the municipal officials was invalid, arguing that a valid order should bear an official photograph. After a heated exchange, the officials initially left but returned later. Allegations have been raised against Abhishek Banerjee and his associates for obstructing the work of the municipal corporation and the police. Meanwhile, the Trinamool Congress has alleged that the police assaulted and harassed women. It is alleged that security guards obstructed police personnel and municipal workers as they attempted to enter the Camac Street office. Accessing the roof was necessary to dismantle the billboard. Abhishek and his supporters blocked the path leading to the roof Although the police managed to get past the initial obstruction and enter the premises. Women were also present among the group. A heated altercation ensued, and the police were prevented from proceeding upstairs. Meanwhile, police surrounded the office from the outside as well. As tensions escalated, the police presence was increased, and at one point, officers wearing helmets were seen entering the building. This led to scuffles, arguments, and accusations from both sides. The KMC advertisement and buildings departments conducted the raid, bringing a demolition team armed with gas cutters to dismantle the iron framework. Upon their arrival, Abhishek reached the spot with party seniors Derek O’Brien and Baishwanar Chattopadhyay. Police accused party netas of obstructing public servants, while TMC accused police of harassing women. KMC maintained the board was illegal and had to be removed.
Banerjee said as KMC officials attempted to dismantle the billboard. Abhishek questioned the officials, said the notice was incomplete and invalid as it lacked an official stamp, signature, memo number, or photograph.
Earlier reporting noted: KMC claimed the roof structure was installed illegally following a complaint by Kolkata Police. Earlier reporting noted: Helmeted cops eventually forced their way to the roof, broke the lock, tore down the banner, and removed the framework.
