Abhishek Banerjee alleges 'Theft in Uniform' after demolition of TMC office in Bengal
Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee accused the West Bengal Police of acting as "lawbreakers" and alleged "theft in uniform" after his Lok Sabha constituency office in South 24 Parganas' Amtala was partially demolished over alleged building rule violations.
The front portion of the office building was bulldozed on Saturday after the South 24 Parganas district administration claimed it had been constructed without an approved building plan and in violation of applicable norms.
In a post on X, the Diamond Harbour MP alleged that the demolition violated Supreme Court and Calcutta High Court rulings against arbitrary bulldozer actions.
"The lawlessness in Bengal is on full display," Banerjee wrote, alleging that the operation was carried out despite the matter being pending before the Calcutta High Court.
He further claimed that videos showed West Bengal Police personnel accompanying BJP workers while removing laptops, printers, documents, furniture and other office equipment from the premises.
"This was not demolition; it was theft in uniform, carried out with utter contempt for the rule of law," Banerjee alleged, adding, "Those meant to uphold the law have become lawbreakers. Shame on West Bengal Police."
A day earlier, Banerjee had maintained that the office was legally constructed on purchased land after obtaining all necessary approvals. He also alleged that the district administration acted in collusion with the BJP and said the TMC would challenge the demolition before the Calcutta High Court.
However, state government officials rejected the allegations, asserting that the demolition was carried out strictly in accordance with the law and was based solely on violations of construction norms.
"The action was taken for violations of construction rules and had no political consideration," an official said.
Following the demolition, Banerjee also warned that if there is a change in government after the 2031 West Bengal Assembly elections, BJP offices in the state would face similar action.
