Trinamool Congress leaders face FIRs after Kolkata office billboard clash

A confrontation erupted in Kolkata when officials from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), supported by police, removed an allegedly unauthorized Trinamool Congress (TMC) billboard from the roof of Abhishek Banerjee’s office on Camac Street. The incident led to physical scuffles between security personnel, party supporters, and law enforcement.

Kolkata Police filed three First Information Reports (FIRs) against senior TMC leaders, including Abhishek Banerjee and Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien, alleging obstruction of public servants, rioting, and unlawful assembly. Thirteen people have been arrested in connection with the clash. TMC leaders have accused the authorities of political vendetta, claiming the removal was a targeted attempt to harass the party.

The Calcutta High Court has been approached by the TMC regarding the matter. While the court granted permission to file a case, it declined to issue an interim order or intervene immediately, noting that the billboard had already been removed. The KMC maintains that the signage was installed without the necessary legal permissions.