Kolkata, 03 September (H.S.) : The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has alleged that unidentified men entered party general secretary Abhishek Banerjee's office on Camac Street in Kolkata early Thursday morning and vandalised the premises and assaulted employees. The TMC has accused BJP workers of being behind the incident, while BJP MLA Sajal Ghosh rejected the allegations and described the incident as a conspiracy and a staged affair.

According to Abhishek Banerjee, a group of people allegedly entered the party office at around 4.30 am carrying weapons and vandalised furniture and other items. The intruders also allegedly assaulted employees present at the office and snatched their mobile phones. The party claimed that an air purifier, printer, television and other electronic equipment were also taken away.

Abhishek Banerjee reacted strongly to the incident and released CCTV footage purportedly showing the attack, demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible. The footage, however, has not been independently verified.

In a social media post, Abhishek claimed that TMC workers and lawyers repeatedly informed the police about the incident through phone calls and emails, but received no response for nearly two hours. He termed the alleged delay highly condemnable and questioned the police response.

The TMC national general secretary demanded a comprehensive investigation into the incident, including who planned and organised the alleged attack and whose instructions were followed. He also questioned why the police failed to act promptly despite repeated notifications.

BJP MLA Sajal Ghosh, however, dismissed the TMC's allegations and claimed that no BJP worker was involved in the incident. He questioned what TMC workers were doing at the office at 4.30 am and alleged that the incident had been staged by the ruling party for publicity.

The TMC, meanwhile, described the incident as a planned attack. The party claimed that Abhishek had left for Delhi on Wednesday night and alleged that the attackers targeted the office after learning that he was not in Kolkata.

The Camac Street office has been under scrutiny in recent days. Last week, Kolkata Municipal Corporation officials, accompanied by police, visited the premises to remove a TMC-branded billboard. The civic body alleged that the billboard had been installed illegally and was hanging in a dangerous condition. TMC leaders and workers were also accused of obstructing civic officials during the operation.

On Monday, a team from the fire department and police inspected the building housing Abhishek's office. Officials examined the premises for any unauthorised construction beyond the approved building plan. They also raised objections over a shed constructed on the exterior of the building.

The inspection also covered the basement parking area and the fire-safety arrangements in the building. Fire department officials said certain deficiencies had been identified during the inspection and indicated that a notice would be issued after examining the relevant documents and the facilities available on site. Questions were also raised over the functioning of the fire-alert system on the floor where Abhishek's office is located.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh