Political Row Erupts as Abhishek Banerjee Accuses Bengal Police of 'Theft in Uniform'

A fresh political controversy erupted in West Bengal after Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee accused the West Bengal Police of acting as "lawbreakers" and alleged collusion with the BJP government following the demolition of his Diamond Harbour constituency office in Amtala.

The row began after the South 24 Parganas district administration on Saturday bulldozed the front portion of Banerjee's office, alleging that it had been constructed without an approved building plan and in violation of building regulations. Officials maintained that the action was carried out strictly in accordance with the law and had no political motive . Escalating his attack on Sunday, Banerjee claimed the demolition violated Supreme Court and Calcutta High Court rulings on bulldozer demolitions. In a post on X, he alleged that the matter was already sub judice before the Calcutta High Court , making the action unlawful.

The TMC leader further alleged that West Bengal Police personnel , accompanied by what he described as " BJP goons ," removed laptops, printers, official documents, furniture and other office materials from the premises during the operation. Calling the incident " theft in uniform ," Banerjee accused the police of acting with "utter contempt for the rule of law" and said, "Those meant to uphold the law have become lawbreakers. Shame on West Bengal Police!"

The allegations have intensified the political confrontation between the TMC and the BJP, with Banerjee accusing the administration of targeting the opposition through the demolition drive. However, a state government official rejected the allegations, asserting that the demolition was undertaken solely because of violations of construction norms and that all required legal procedures were followed. "The action was taken for violations of construction norms and did not have any political consideration," the official said.

A day earlier, Banerjee had maintained that the office was legally constructed on purchased land after obtaining all necessary permissions. He also announced that the TMC would challenge the demolition in the Calcutta High Court . The three-time MP had additionally warned that if there is a change in government after the 2031 West Bengal Assembly elections , BJP offices in the state could face similar action, further fuelling the political row over the demolition.