Abhishek Banerjee Accuses Bengal Police of 'Lawbreaking' After Office Demolition

Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and Member of Parliament Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday accused the West Bengal Police of acting as 'lawbreakers' after his party office in the state was demolished by local authorities.

The incident occurred in the early hours of the morning when a team of police and municipal officials arrived at the TMC office located in the city's central district. According to eyewitnesses, the officials used heavy machinery to bring down the structure, citing illegal construction. No prior notice was reportedly given to the party.

Banerjee, who is also the nephew of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, condemned the action in a press conference later in the day. 'Those who are meant to uphold the law have become lawbreakers themselves,' he said. 'This is a clear act of political vendetta by the state government against the opposition.'

The police, however, defended their action, stating that the office was built without proper approvals and violated municipal bylaws. 'The demolition was carried out as per the law, following a court order,' said a senior police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity. 'No political considerations were involved.'

The incident has sparked a fresh wave of political tension in the state, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing the TMC of using its influence to bypass regulations. BJP spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya said, 'This is a classic case of the TMC reaping what it sowed. They have always flouted rules, and now they are crying foul.'

Abhishek Banerjee has announced plans to challenge the demolition in court and has called for a protest march later this week. The state government has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.