Kolkata: The South 24 Parganas district administration on Saturday began demolishing a five-storey office of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in Amtala, allegedly linked to party general secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee.
The demolition process began in the afternoon using bulldozers after authorities claimed that the building was constructed without an approved building sanction plan.
Heavy security deployed during demolition
A joint team of West Bengal Police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel was deployed at the site to maintain law and order during the demolition drive.
The operation was carried out under the supervision of local officials, including the Block Development Officer (BDO) and Block Land Revenue Officer (BLRO). Personnel from the state fire services department were also present at the location.
The area around the building was barricaded, and security forces restricted access while the demolition work continued.
Administration issued notices before action
According to district officials, a notice was issued on June 30, declaring the construction allegedly unauthorised and asking TMC office bearers to appear for a hearing on July 15.
A reminder notice was reportedly pasted on the office premises on July 7. Officials claimed that no response was received, following which the administration decided to proceed with the demolition.
BJP leaders support action; TMC yet to respond
After the demolition began, local BJP workers reached the spot and raised slogans supporting the administration’s action.
BJP MLA from Satgachia Assembly constituency, Agniswar Naskar, alleged that the office was not only built without proper approval but that the land was also allegedly occupied illegally.
The BJP also alleged that certain criminals linked to the previous ruling party had operated from the office premises. These allegations have not been independently verified.
The Trinamool Congress has not issued any official statement regarding the demolition at the time of reporting.