A public interest litigation (PIL) has been submitted to the Calcutta High Court regarding the alleged vandalism in Kolkata’s New Market area using a bulldozer. The petitioner has raised concerns about the incident occurring in the presence of certain police officers and has requested judicial intervention and action against them. The PIL also addresses incidents of vandalism across the state following post-poll violence, with a hearing expected on Friday.
Tension escalated in the New Market area as a group reportedly carrying BJP flags demolished temporary structures of hawkers using a bulldozer. Allegations also surfaced about the demolition of a Trinamool Congress party office during the violence, causing panic among locals and traders. Police and central forces responded to the situation, with claims that the bulldozer was operated in the presence of police officers, prompting the PIL to call for an investigation into their involvement.
Amidst the aftermath of the West Bengal Assembly elections, where the BJP assumed power after 15 years of Trinamool Congress rule, reports of post-poll violence have surfaced from various districts. Legal actions have been taken, including the arrest of eight individuals in connection with the incident and the registration of an FIR under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma emphasized that victory processions with bulldozers will not be tolerated, warning of strict legal repercussions for those facilitating such activities without prior permission. Despite these warnings, instances of post-poll violence persist across the state, with reports of Trinamool Congress party offices being vandalized and alleged targeting of BJP workers.
