Kolkata, 06 April (H.S.): Police have registered an FIR against Ratna Chatterjee, the All India Trinamool Congress candidate from Behala West Assembly constituency in West Bengal, in connection with an alleged vandalism incident at a Bharatiya Janata Party office. The action was taken at Parnasree police station following directions from the Election Commission of India.

According to the allegations, Ratna Chatterjee and her supporters were involved in vandalising the BJP’s local party office in the Parnasree area. Tension reportedly prevailed in the locality till late Sunday night following the incident. The BJP had initially accused the police of inaction, but action was taken later after the intervention of the Election Commission.

The controversy reportedly began on Sunday afternoon, when BJP leaders alleged that TMC workers and supporters reached their party office in Parnasree and tore down posters and banners. They also alleged that the office premises were vandalised. BJP leaders claimed that the entire incident was captured on CCTV cameras.

The BJP further alleged that the police did not take prompt action, which led to a heated confrontation between supporters of both parties that allegedly escalated into scuffles.

Following the incident, BJP candidate from Behala West, Indranil Khan, reached the spot. Under his leadership, BJP workers staged a protest and briefly gheraoed the Parnasree police station, demanding action. A formal complaint was subsequently lodged against the TMC candidate and her supporters.

Ratna Chatterjee also visited the police station and denied the allegations. It remains unclear whether she was present at the spot during the incident. She, in turn, alleged that her party’s posters and banners were also damaged and held BJP supporters responsible. She has also filed a counter-complaint.

Sources in the Election Commission said on Monday morning that an FIR had been registered against Chatterjee in connection with the incident. She has been accused of involvement in the vandalism.

Notably, polling in the Behala West constituency is scheduled for April 29 in the second phase of the elections, while counting of votes will take place on May 4. Ratna Chatterjee is currently an MLA from Behala East, but the party has fielded her from Behala West this time, a constituency previously represented by former minister Partha Chatterjee. Meanwhile, the TMC has fielded Subhashish Chakraborty from Behala East.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh