4 days ago
Kolkata Billboard Row: Police Summon Abhishek Banerjee, Arrests Reach 14
Officials in Kolkata went to remove a billboard that authorities described as illegal.
The billboard was on the roof of a building described in the reports as linked to Abhishek Banerjee’s house and party office.
Trinamool Congress supporters tried to stop the officials from reaching the roof.
Police said activist Toufik helped create the obstruction.
A scuffle happened between police and party supporters.
The billboard was eventually broken and removed.
Police have arrested 14 people in connection with the incident.
The 13 people arrested earlier were sent to judicial custody until September 3, and their bail requests were rejected.
Police have now also summoned Abhishek Banerjee for questioning on September 1.
Kolkata Police arrested Trinamool Congress activist Toufik, bringing total arrests in the billboard dispute to 14.
Police said Toufik helped obstruct Kolkata Municipal Corporation and police personnel during Thursday’s removal operation.
Police summoned Trinamool general secretary Abhishek Banerjee to appear at Shakespeare Sarani Police Station on September 1.
Three FIRs allege obstruction of officials, assault on on-duty police, and attempts to outrage a female officer’s modesty.
The billboard was eventually broken and removed after a scuffle between police and Trinamool supporters; 13 earlier accused were remanded until September 3.
- Who
- Kolkata Police, Kolkata Municipal Corporation officials, Trinamool Congress supporters, activist Toufik, and Abhishek Banerjee are involved; FIRs also name Derek O’Brien, Humayun Kabir, Baishwanar Chatterjee, and others.
- What
- Police arrested Toufik and summoned Abhishek Banerjee in connection with alleged obstruction during the removal of an illegal billboard.
- Where
- The incident occurred at a Camac Street building associated in the reports with Abhishek Banerjee’s house and party office in central Kolkata; the summons was delivered to his Kalighat Road residence.
- When
- The confrontation occurred Thursday afternoon; Toufik was arrested afterward, and Banerjee was summoned on Saturday night to appear September 1 at noon.
- Why
- Kolkata Municipal Corporation officials and police went to remove a billboard described as illegal, while Trinamool leaders and supporters challenged the removal and blocked the officials’ route.
Authorities’ account
Trinamool leaders’ position
Legality of the billboard removal
Authorities’ account
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation and police proceeded to remove the billboard, which the reports described as illegal.
Trinamool leaders’ position
Abhishek Banerjee challenged the removal order’s validity, saying the billboard’s picture was not attached to the original notice.
Events during the operation
Authorities’ account
Police said supporters obstructed officials, formed human walls on the staircase, and interfered with officers performing their duties; the FIRs include allegations of assault and misconduct involving a female officer.
Trinamool leaders’ position
Abhishek Banerjee, Derek O’Brien, aides, and other Trinamool supporters blocked the officials’ path while objecting to the order, after which a scuffle followed.
Investigation and responsibility
Authorities’ account
Police have arrested 14 people, summoned Banerjee, and are examining CCTV footage as part of a detailed investigation.
Trinamool leaders’ position
The reports state that Banerjee and other Trinamool leaders challenged the order, but do not provide their response to the summons or the FIR allegations.
Key facts
- Total arrests
- 14 people have been arrested in connection with the unrest.
- New arrest
- Trinamool Congress activist Toufik was arrested by the Anti-Rowdy Squad and handed over to Shakespeare Sarani Police Station.
- Summons
- Abhishek Banerjee was directed to appear at Shakespeare Sarani Police Station on September 1 at 12 noon.
- FIRs
- Three FIRs were registered at Shakespeare Sarani Police Station, based on complaints from two police officers and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation.
- Earlier court order
- The 13 people arrested earlier were remanded to judicial custody until September 3, and their bail pleas were rejected.
- Allegations
- The FIRs include alleged obstruction of officials, assaulting on-duty police, and attempts to outrage a female officer’s modesty.
- Billboard outcome
- Police cleared the staircase, allowing KMC officials to reach the roof, break the billboard, and remove it.
Sources
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