Three FIRs have been registered at Kolkata’s Shakespeare Sarani Police Station over Thursday’s clash during the removal of a billboard outside Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee’s office on Camac Street. Police have arrested 13 people in connection with the incident.
Leaders named under relevant bns sections
The FIRs name Abhishek Banerjee, Derek O’Brien, Baiswanar Chattopadhyay and Humayun Kabir, along with other TMC supporters. Cases have been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
One complaint was filed by Sudeep Kumar Basu, Deputy Manager of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation’s Advertisement Department. According to the complaint, civic officials had gone to remove a large billboard hanging over 9, Camac Street, following a KMC directive. The officials allegedly faced resistance and were assaulted, while police personnel were also obstructed.
Civic officer alleges assault and obstruction
The complaint alleges that some officials were threatened and KMC equipment was taken away during the confrontation.
A second FIR was filed by Park Street Police Station Sergeant Sujit Kumar Mondal. He alleged that police personnel reached Camac Street after receiving information about the disturbance and assisted KMC workers in removing the dangerously hanging billboard.
Sergeant alleges police assault and obstruction
According to the complaint, police faced obstruction while using a ladder, and Mondal’s walkie-talkie was allegedly snatched. When police attempted to detain one person, others allegedly attacked them. Mondal and constable Amitabh Saha were injured and taken to hospital for treatment.
Third fir includes alleged women police harassment
The third FIR also names Abhishek Banerjee, Derek O’Brien and Baiswanar Chattopadhyay. It includes Section 74 of the BNS, relating to assault or criminal force against a woman with intent to outrage her modesty. The complaint alleges that women police personnel were subjected to unlawful force during the confrontation.
Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand said that police personnel were obstructed and that the incident was being investigated. He said officers had sought cooperation and that CCTV and video footage would be examined before further action is taken.
Abhishek challenges civic action before high court
Meanwhile, after the civic authorities removed the billboard, a new TMC banner was put up at the office later that night. Abhishek and his associates have alleged unlawful interference with private property and expressed displeasure over police conduct. They have also approached the Calcutta High Court, where the matter may come up for hearing on Friday.
