Three FIRs have been registered in connection with the confrontation that broke out on August 27, when Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) officials arrived to remove a large billboard outside Abhishek Banerjee’s office at 9, Camac Street. Police have arrested 13 people in connection with the incident, while CCTV and video footage are being examined as part of the investigation.
The first complaint was filed by Sudeep Kumar Basu, Deputy Manager of the KMC Advertisement Department. According to his complaint, civic officials had reached the location following a KMC directive to remove the billboard, which was allegedly hanging dangerously over the road.
The complaint alleges that the officials faced resistance while carrying out the civic body’s instructions and that some of them were assaulted. It also alleges that police personnel assisting the civic officials were obstructed during the operation.
According to the complaint, some civic officials were allegedly threatened during the confrontation and KMC equipment was taken away. The allegations form part of the case registered under relevant provisions of the BNS.
A second FIR was filed by Park Street Police Station Sergeant Sujit Kumar Mondal. His complaint relates to the alleged obstruction and assault faced by police personnel who arrived at Camac Street after receiving information about the disturbance.
According to Mondal, police personnel assisted KMC workers in removing the billboard after reaching the spot. The complaint alleges that police faced resistance while using a ladder during the operation and that Mondal’s walkie-talkie was allegedly snatched.
The situation reportedly escalated when police attempted to detain one person. According to the complaint, others allegedly intervened and attacked the police personnel. Mondal and constable Amitabh Saha were injured during the confrontation and were taken to hospital for treatment.
The third FIR also names Abhishek Banerjee, Derek O’Brien and Baiswanar Chattopadhyay. It includes Section 74 of the BNS, which deals with 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 police personnel had been obstructed during the incident and that the matter was being investigated. He said the police had sought cooperation from those present and that CCTV recordings and other video footage would be examined before further action is taken.
The case has meanwhile turned into a wider political confrontation between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the civic and police authorities. TMC leaders have questioned the manner in which the billboard was removed and alleged that there was unlawful interference with private property.
Abhishek Banerjee and his associates have also raised objections to the police action during the incident. The TMC MP has approached the Calcutta High Court in connection with the dispute, with the matter expected to come up before the court on August 28.
The billboard was eventually removed by civic authorities. However, later that night, a fresh TMC banner was reportedly put up outside the office, adding another layer to the dispute.
The immediate issue began with the KMC’s decision to remove the billboard, but the confrontation has now resulted in multiple criminal cases involving allegations of obstruction, assault and interference with public servants and police personnel.
With 13 arrests already made, the police investigation is now focused on establishing the sequence of events, identifying the roles of those involved and examining available CCTV and video evidence. The allegations against the named individuals remain subject to investigation and any further legal proceedings will depend on the evidence gathered by the police.
