3 days ago
Kolkata Police Summon TMC Leaders Over Camac Street Scuffle
Police in Kolkata went to remove a large Trinamool Congress signboard from a building.
They said the signboard was unauthorised or unsafe.
A disagreement became a physical confrontation involving party supporters, police and city officials.
Police say Derek O’Brien and Abhishek Banerjee helped stop the operation or confronted officials.
They also allege that officers were pushed, assaulted or had equipment taken from them.
The Trinamool Congress says officials entered without giving proper notice and mistreated party workers.
Police have opened three cases and summoned the two leaders for questioning.
Reports disagree about whether Banerjee must appear on Monday or Tuesday.
Kolkata Police summoned Derek O’Brien over a confrontation during removal of a disputed party signboard at 9 Camac Street.
Abhishek Banerjee was also summoned, though reports differed on whether he was asked to appear Monday or Tuesday.
Police allege TMC leaders and supporters obstructed and assaulted officers during the Kolkata Municipal Corporation operation.
Three FIRs cite alleged unlawful assembly, obstruction and assault of public servants, rioting and other offences.
The TMC alleges officials entered without valid notice and assaulted party staff, while the property owner claims illegal occupation.
- Who
- Derek O’Brien, Abhishek Banerjee, Trinamool Congress supporters, Kolkata Police personnel and Kolkata Municipal Corporation officials.
- What
- A confrontation occurred during an attempt to remove a Trinamool Congress signboard or alleged unauthorised hoarding.
- Where
- At 9 Camac Street and the Shakespeare Sarani police station in Kolkata.
- When
- The confrontation occurred Thursday; O’Brien was directed to appear Monday, while reports gave conflicting dates for Banerjee’s appearance.
- Why
- Police are investigating alleged obstruction, assault of public servants and other offences during the signboard-removal operation.
Police and civic authorities
Trinamool Congress and property-side claims
Reason for removing the signboard
Police and civic authorities
Police and civic officials described the board as unauthorised; one FIR said it was hanging dangerously and had to be removed for safety.
Trinamool Congress and property-side claims
The TMC alleges that the Kolkata Municipal Corporation did not provide a valid notice before entering the party office and removing the signboard.
Conduct during the confrontation
Police and civic authorities
Police allege that TMC leaders and supporters obstructed officers, assaulted personnel, pushed or pulled them and took a government-issued wireless radio from a constable.
Trinamool Congress and property-side claims
The TMC alleges that officials trespassed into the party office, pushed and heckled supporters and assaulted Abhishek Banerjee, Derek O’Brien and staff, including women security personnel.
Use of the building
Police and civic authorities
The property owner alleges that the TMC is illegally occupying 9 Camac Street and has repeatedly violated the terms of a 2020 lease.
Trinamool Congress and property-side claims
The articles do not provide a substantive TMC response to the owner’s allegations; they state that the lease was signed with the Trinamool Youth Congress.
Key facts
- Summoned leaders
- Trinamool Congress MPs Derek O’Brien and Abhishek Banerjee
- Police station
- Shakespeare Sarani police station
- Civic operation
- Kolkata Municipal Corporation officials and police removed a party signboard described as unauthorised or unsafe
- Cases registered
- Three FIRs concerning alleged unlawful assembly, obstruction and assault of public servants, rioting and related offences
- Police allegations
- Unknown persons allegedly obstructed officers, took a constable’s wireless radio and assaulted police personnel
- TMC allegations
- The party says officials lacked valid notice, entered its office without permission and assaulted or heckled staff
- Property dispute
- The owner alleges violations of a 2020 lease and demands the evacuation of the building
Sources
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