Kolkata Police file cases against TMC leaders over hoarding dispute

The Kolkata Police have lodged multiple criminal cases against senior Trinamool Congress figures Abhishek Banerjee and Derek O'Brien stemming from an incident involving the removal of a party hoarding in the city. According to police, the FIRs were registered following allegations that the TMC leaders physically confronted officers during the enforcement operation.

Three separate cases have been filed against the TMC functionaries on charges including allegedly assaulting police personnel on duty and obstructing them from discharging their official responsibilities. Police have also registered charges related to alleged misconduct toward a female police officer at the scene.

The incident underscores ongoing tensions between the ruling Trinamool Congress and city authorities over the regulation of political signage and hoardings. The TMC has not yet issued an official statement regarding the police action, though the party has historically contested civic removals of its promotional materials across Kolkata.

The police said their personnel were engaged in routine enforcement of regulations governing unauthorized hoardings when the altercation occurred. Investigations into the matter are continuing, officials said.