Kolkata, 03 April (H.S.): FIRs have been registered following clashes during the nomination filing of BJP candidate and Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari in Bhabanipur, the police said on Friday. The action was taken based on a complaint from the Election Commission of India.

According to officials, Adhikari held a roadshow from Hazra More to Survey Building before filing his nomination on Thursday. Union Home Minister Amit Shah was present during the procession.

Tension prevailed when the roadshow passed near the residence of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, where Trinamool Congress (TMC) supporters were allegedly staging a protest wearing black bands. A verbal altercation ensued between BJP and TMC workers, which later escalated into a scuffle, police sources said.

The Election Commission sought a report from the district election officer following the incident. Based on the findings, Kolkata Police registered cases.

The police said one complaint was lodged at Kalighat police station and two at Alipore police station, on the basis of which FIRs were registered suo motu.

The cases include charges under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to unlawful assembly, sloganeering, creating tension and violation of official guidelines. An investigation has been initiated, police said.

The Election Commission has taken a serious view of the incident. During a meeting on Thursday, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar is learnt to have pulled up Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand over alleged lapses in maintaining law and order.

The BJP has claimed that prior permission had been obtained for its programme, while alleging that the TMC protest did not have the required approval.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey