Bulldozer Demolishes Temporary Shed Outside Abhishek Banerjee's Kolkata Residence

A bulldozer was deployed outside the residence of Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee here on Thursday as civic authorities demolished a temporary bamboo shed erected over the footpath and removed an iron gate allegedly obstructing pedestrian movement.

A large contingent of Kolkata Police personnel and central forces was deployed outside the TMC national general secretary's residence at 121, Kalighat Road, as municipal workers pulled down the structure. Workers subsequently cleared the bamboo poles, while an iron gate outside the boundary wall was dismantled using a gas cutter. The civic action comes amid a controversy over the structure, with the TMC alleging police surveillance outside Banerjee's residence and questioning the circumstances surrounding the demolition.

The controversy intensified on Wednesday after Banerjee alleged that police personnel were keeping watch on his residence using vehicles. He also shared a video on social media to support his claim. Police personnel visited the area again on Wednesday evening, with the TMC alleging that their presence was linked to the removal of the shed.

The MP's office staff had themselves started dismantling the structure on Wednesday. TMC spokesperson Arka Nag said the shed had originally been erected by the West Bengal Directorate of Security when Banerjee enjoyed Z-plus security cover to accommodate personnel assigned to his protection. He said the structure was no longer required following the withdrawal of additional security cover and that Banerjee's office had initiated its removal.

However, civic authorities moved in on Thursday morning to complete the clearance, citing obstruction of pedestrian movement. Local residents had also complained that the structure narrowed the footpath and forced pedestrians onto a congested stretch of road. The controversy dates back to November 6, when a large gathering assembled beneath the shed during celebrations marking Banerjee's birthday in Kalighat. The developments have acquired a political dimension following the BJP's assumption of power in West Bengal, with the TMC now occupying the opposition space.