Bulldozer action on Trinamool MP Abhishek Banerjee's office in Bengal; police deployed

KOLKATA: A demolition drive targeting a Trinamool Congress party office linked to the party's national general secretary and Lok Sabha MP Abhishek Banerjee began in Amtala on Saturday, with district authorities alleging that the five-storey building had been constructed without an approved building plan and in violation of building rules.The demolition was carried out using excavators amid heavy security, with Bengal Police and Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel deployed around the site. Fire and Emergency Services personnel were also present as a precautionary measure.The party office is located in Amtala, which falls under Banerjee's Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency.The demolition sparked celebrations among BJP workers and supporters gathered nearby, who raised slogans in support of the party.BJP MLA from Amtala Agnishwar Naskar welcomed the action, alleging that the building had been constructed in violation of building regulations."The structure was built illegally, and the administration has finally acted in accordance with the law," Naskar said. District administration officials said the action followed complaints alleging unauthorised construction. Notices were issued to the persons concerned, asking them to appear for a hearing as part of the statutory process. "The administration has initiated proceedings strictly in accordance with the provisions of the law. Notices were served after complaints were received regarding the alleged unauthorised construction, and the matter is under adjudication. Any further action will be taken only after the hearing and in compliance with the relevant legal provisions," a senior South 24 Parganas district administration official told PTI. Additional security arrangements were made around the party office from Saturday morning, with guardrails erected around the premises and senior police and civil administration officials monitoring the operation. "We have made all necessary arrangements to ensure that the proceedings are carried out peacefully and in accordance with the law. The demolition work is being undertaken strictly on the basis of the legal process," the official said. According to notices issued by the district administration, the land on which the party office stands was allegedly purchased in the name of a company, Leaps and Bounds. The notices also sought clarification on documents related to land ownership and records connected with the construction. Administration sources said the authorities decided to proceed with the demolition after receiving no response to two notices issued to the persons concerned.Get the latest City News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Kolkata | Silver Rate in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata | Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Petrol Price in Kolkata | Diesel Price in Kolkata | CNG Price in Kolkata | LPG Price in KolkataStay updated with the latest Kolkata news. Download the TOI App.