Kolkata, 02 July (H.S.): The well-known Tala Prattoy Durga Puja Committee in north Kolkata has come under legal scrutiny after Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Ritesh Tiwari, who represents the Kashipur–Belgachia Assembly constituency, lodged a complaint alleging illegal encroachment on a public playground. Acting on the complaint, Tala Police Station has registered an FIR under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

In his complaint, Tiwari alleged that nearly 2 bighas of the Tala Gymkhana Ground, a property owned by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), have been under illegal occupation since 2018. The complaint also names Dhrubajyoti Basu, popularly known as Subho, who is associated with the Tala Prattoy Durga Puja Committee.

According to the complaint, around 200 feet of the playground's boundary wall, along with an iron gate and grills belonging to the KMC, were demolished to construct a club room on land under the civic body's Parks and Squares Department. It further alleges that an electricity connection was fraudulently obtained from CESC in the name of the Tala Park Association by using the address of another KMC property.

The complaint also states that, according to local residents, a substantial portion of the playground is used throughout the year for temporary structures, storage, and activities unrelated to recreation, depriving children and local residents of free access to the public space.

Tiwari further alleged that the club constructed a permanent club room inside the park after demolishing part of the boundary wall. He also claimed that some residents feel discouraged from asserting their right to use the playground because of the alleged influence and control exercised over the area.

Speaking on Thursday, the BJP legislator said he had urged the civic authorities to remove the alleged illegal structures. He claimed that several structures inside Tala Park had become hubs of anti-social activities and should be demolished. He also alleged that shops operating along the park's boundary lacked commercial viability and suggested that they could be relocated to Raja Manindra Street if necessary.

Referring to the Supreme Court's judgment in the Bangalore Medical Trust vs. B.S. Muddappa case, the complaint argues that public parks and playgrounds are community assets meant exclusively for public use and should not be appropriated for private purposes.

Based on the complaint, Tala Police have registered a case under Sections 111(4), 270, 287, 324(3), and 329(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The complaint seeks a detailed investigation into the allegations and appropriate legal action against those found responsible.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh