Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee was summoned by the Kolkata Police in connection with a clash that broke out during the removal of an alleged illegal billboard from the party’s office on Camac Street. The development has sparked a fresh political controversy in West Bengal, with the TMC leader alleging political vendetta after being questioned by the police.
The summons was issued by the Shakespeare Sarani Police Station following an incident involving Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) officials and police personnel who had gone to the Camac Street office to remove a billboard carrying party signage. According to police, supporters and private security personnel present at the site allegedly resisted the removal operation, leading to a confrontation.
Three FIRs were registered in connection with the incident. Banerjee was named as an accused in two of the cases, along with other senior TMC leaders, including Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien. The allegations include obstructing government officials from carrying out their duties, assaulting police personnel and alleged misconduct involving a woman police officer. Police have also been examining CCTV footage as part of the investigation.
Banerjee appeared before the Shakespeare Sarani Police Station on Tuesday, September 1, after being directed to report for questioning. He arrived at around 12:17 pm amid tight security, while a number of TMC supporters gathered outside the station and raised slogans in his support. Only Banerjee was allowed to enter the police station for questioning.
The questioning continued for several hours. Reports said Banerjee was questioned for around five to six hours regarding the confrontation at his Camac Street office and the alleged conduct of party workers during the billboard removal operation. After leaving the police station, Banerjee criticised what he described as the police’s “over-enthusiasm” and accused the authorities of targeting political opponents.
The TMC has maintained that the police action is politically motivated, while authorities have stressed that the investigation is being conducted in connection with a law-and-order incident. The police have already arrested several people allegedly involved in the unrest, while further questioning of individuals connected to the incident is expected.
The controversy has added another flashpoint to the already tense political atmosphere in West Bengal. The billboard dispute, which initially appeared to be a municipal enforcement issue, has now developed into a wider political and legal confrontation involving senior TMC leaders. The police investigation is continuing, and the allegations against those named in the FIRs are yet to be established through legal proceedings.
