Abhishek Banerjee Kolkata Office Ransacked, TMC Alleges BJP Workers Behind Attack

The office of Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee in Kolkata was allegedly ransacked in the early hours of Thursday, triggering a fresh political dispute between the TMC and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The incident reportedly took place at around 4:30 am at Banerjee’s office on Camac Street while the TMC leader was in Delhi. According to Banerjee, a group of masked men entered the premises and vandalised the office. He alleged that people present at the location were assaulted and that several items, including electronic equipment, were damaged or taken away.

Banerjee later shared CCTV footage that he said showed the alleged attackers inside the office. The footage purportedly shows masked individuals moving around the premises and carrying away equipment. The TMC leader alleged that the incident was carried out by BJP workers and questioned how such an attack could take place despite the presence of security arrangements in the area.

The TMC has demanded swift action against those responsible and called for the CCTV footage to be examined as part of the investigation. Banerjee also questioned the police response, claiming that attempts were made to seek assistance after the incident. The BJP, however, has rejected the allegations of involvement. BJP leaders have termed the accusations baseless and questioned the circumstances surrounding the incident. The party has also suggested that the incident should be investigated rather than being used to make political allegations.

The competing claims come amid heightened political tensions in West Bengal. The same Camac Street premises had recently become the centre of another controversy after a dispute involving civic officials, police personnel and TMC leaders over the removal of an allegedly unauthorised billboard. The confrontation led to police cases and added to tensions between the ruling party in the state and the opposition BJP.

The latest incident is expected to intensify the political exchange between the two parties, with the TMC demanding accountability and the BJP denying any role. The CCTV footage, statements from witnesses and other evidence collected during the investigation are likely to be crucial in determining who was behind the alleged vandalism. The TMC’s allegation that BJP workers were responsible has not been independently established, while the BJP has denied the charge. The police investigation will determine the circumstances surrounding the reported attack and identify those responsible.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.