KOLKATA, September 3: Trinamool Congress MP and senior party leader Abhishek Banerjee on Thursday alleged that armed BJP workers stormed the TMC’s Camac Street office in Kolkata at around 4:30 AM, vandalising the premises and assaulting people present inside.
Banerjee shared videos and images of the purported damage on social media and accused the attackers of smashing furniture and electronic equipment and snatching mobile phones from TMC workers.
Banerjee Alleges Attack Around 4:30 AM
According to Banerjee, a group of people carrying weapons entered the party office during the early hours of Thursday and attacked workers present at the premises.
He described the incident as an attack on the rule of law and demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible.
At this stage, Banerjee’s allegation that BJP workers carried out the attack has not been independently established.
Police Response Questioned
Banerjee also questioned the response of the Kolkata Police, alleging that officers did not reach the site for nearly two hours despite repeated phone calls and emails from TMC workers and lawyers.
He demanded an investigation not only into those who carried out the alleged vandalism but also into who planned and directed the incident.
Six People Reportedly Detained
Fresh reports said six people were detained by police following the incident as authorities began examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack.
Further details about their identities, possible charges and whether police have formally linked them to any political organisation were not immediately available.
BJP Rejects TMC Allegations
The BJP has disputed the TMC’s version of events.
BJP MLA Sajal Ghosh reportedly described the incident as staged, rejecting allegations that BJP workers were responsible.
The conflicting claims mean responsibility for the alleged attack remains a matter for police investigation.
Camac Street Office Already at Centre of Political Row
The latest incident comes amid an ongoing controversy surrounding the same Camac Street office.
On August 27, Kolkata Municipal Corporation officials, accompanied by police, removed an allegedly unauthorised TMC hoarding from the building. The operation resulted in a confrontation between civic authorities, police and TMC workers.
FIRs were subsequently registered against Abhishek Banerjee, TMC MP Derek O’Brien and others in connection with that confrontation, while several people were arrested.
Banerjee Seeks Intervention
Following Thursday morning’s alleged attack, Banerjee called on the West Bengal Governor, Union Home Minister and Prime Minister’s Office to respond.
He also urged the Calcutta High Court to take note of the situation and ensure that the rule of law is upheld.
Police investigation into Thursday’s incident is continuing, and further clarity is awaited on the identity of those involved and the sequence of events inside the office.
source – The Indian Express
Supreme News Network
