4 days ago
Mamata Banerjee Faces FIR Over Alleged Rally Court-Order Violation
Police in Kolkata filed a case against Mamata Banerjee after a rally by the Trinamool Congress student group.
The rally took place on August 28 on Cathedral Road.
The Calcutta High Court had said that one side of the road must remain open for vehicles.
It also limited the event to between noon and 3 p.m.
Police said both sides were blocked for some time and that the event continued beyond the allowed period.
They also alleged that some supporters pushed through barricades and jostled with police officers.
The FIR accuses Mamata and the organisers of helping or encouraging these alleged violations.
Trinamool leaders said Mamata told supporters to listen to police and let vehicles, including an ambulance, pass.
BJP leaders said the police action was necessary to uphold the court’s order.
Kolkata Police registered an FIR against Mamata Banerjee and Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad rally organisers.
Police alleged that supporters blocked both flanks of Cathedral Road, disrupted traffic and pushed aside barricades.
The Calcutta High Court had required one road flank to remain open and limited the rally to noon-3 p.m.
Police also alleged that the programme continued beyond 3 p.m. and that supporters jostled with officers.
Trinamool leaders said Mamata urged supporters to clear the road, while BJP leaders supported the police action; reports differ on whether the FIR was filed Friday or Saturday.
- Who
- Kolkata Police, Mamata Banerjee, Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad organisers and supporters, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, and Trinamool and BJP leaders.
- What
- Police filed a suo motu FIR alleging that a TMCP rally violated conditions imposed by the Calcutta High Court.
- Where
- Cathedral Road in central Kolkata; a separate faction was permitted to hold an event at Rani Rashmoni Avenue.
- When
- The rally was held on August 28 between a permitted noon and 3 p.m.; reports differ on whether the FIR was registered Friday or Saturday.
- Why
- Police alleged that both road flanks were blocked, traffic was obstructed, the event exceeded its permitted time and supporters interfered with police duties.
Police and Government Position
Trinamool Congress Position
Compliance with the court order
Police and Government Position
Police and Suvendu Adhikari alleged that the rally blocked both flanks of Cathedral Road and continued beyond the court-approved time, violating the conditions.
Trinamool Congress Position
Trinamool leaders said the crowd caused barricades to give way and that the disruption was not Mamata Banerjee’s fault.
Mamata Banerjee’s role
Police and Government Position
The FIR alleges that Mamata entered into a criminal conspiracy with organisers and provoked or incited supporters to violate the restrictions and obstruct police duties.
Trinamool Congress Position
Trinamool leaders said Mamata asked supporters to listen to police and clear the road, allowing vehicles and an ambulance to pass.
Political significance of the action
Police and Government Position
BJP leaders said the FIR reflected the government’s policy of enforcing the rule of law and said there would be no tolerance for indiscipline.
Trinamool Congress Position
Trinamool MP Saugata Roy called attempts to regulate the crowd size at a political rally undemocratic and alleged that Adhikari was concerned about the rally’s turnout.
Key facts
- Police station
- Hastings Police Station, South Kolkata
- Case
- Suo motu FIR against Mamata Banerjee and TMCP rally organisers
- Event
- Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad foundation-day rally
- Rally date
- August 28
- Court-approved time
- Noon to 3 p.m.
- Court condition
- One of Cathedral Road’s two flanks had to remain open to traffic
- Police allegations
- Both flanks were blocked, the programme continued beyond 3 p.m., and supporters pushed barricades or jostled with police
- Reported crowd limit
- A maximum of 1,500 people was allowed; police said the rally exceeded that limit
Quotes
Suvendu Adhikari
West Bengal Chief Minister who directed police action and said he would seek the High Court’s attention to the alleged violations
“The Court clearly directed them to conduct the rally keeping one of the two lanes free for traffic movement. The former Chief Minister assembled people and blocked both the lanes. I have directed the police to register an FIR in the matter. I have also directed the police to approach the Calcutta High Court in the matter. The matter will not be taken so easily.”
thehansindia.com
“The police force I worked with was humane, not inhuman. They helped people. There may have been a couple of isolated incidents, but I have seen police personnel stand their ground, suffer injuries and shed blood. They did not run bulldozers over people, fire tear gas or bullets indiscriminately.”
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Sources
Kolkata Police file FIR against Mamata on CM’s directive
Bengal: FIR filed against Mamata Banerjee for ‘violating’ HC order during TMC student wing event
FIR against Mamata Banerjee over alleged violation of high court's order on TMCP rally
FIR Filed Against Mamata Banerjee Over Alleged Violation Of Calcutta HC Order During TMC Students’ Wing Rally
Mamata Banerjee booked for ‘violating High Court order’ at TMC student wing event
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