Abhishek Banerjee slams Bengal Police after his office demolition (PTI image on right)
NEW DELHI: Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee on Sunday accused the West Bengal Police of acting as “lawbreakers”, a day after the front portion of his Lok Sabha constituency office in Amtala was demolished by the South 24 Parganas district administration over alleged violations of building norms.The Diamond Harbour MP alleged that the demolition was carried out despite Supreme Court and Calcutta High Court rulings against arbitrary bulldozer action, and claimed police personnel assisted in removing equipment and documents from the premises.
‘This was theft in uniform’
In a post on X, Banerjee alleged that the demolition amounted to an abuse of power. “The lawlessness in Bengal is on full display.”He further claimed that videos showed West Bengal Police alongside “BJP goons” carrying away trunks containing laptops, printers, documents, tables, chairs and other furniture from the office.”This was not demolition; it was theft in uniform, carried out with utter contempt for the rule of law and while the matter remains sub judice before the High Court.”Accusing the police of failing in their constitutional duty, Banerjee added: “Those meant to uphold the law have become lawbreakers. Shame on West Bengal Police!”
Administration cites building rule violations
The front portion of Banerjee’s constituency office was bulldozed on Saturday after authorities alleged it had been constructed without an approved building plan and in violation of building regulations. Following the demolition, Banerjee had maintained that the office was built legally on land purchased through due process and after obtaining all necessary permissions. He also said the TMC would challenge the action before the Calcutta High Court.A state government official, however, rejected allegations of political vendetta, saying the demolition was carried out strictly in accordance with the law.Banerjee had also warned that if there was a change of government in West Bengal after the 2031 Assembly elections, BJP offices in the state could face similar action.
