The South 24 Parganas district administration on Saturday began demolishing a Trinamool Congress (TMC) party office linked to MP Abhishek Banerjee in Amtala, alleging that the structure was built without an approved building plan and in violation of applicable rules.
Officials said the demolition was carried out using excavators under heavy security. Personnel from the police, central forces, and the Fire and Emergency Services were deployed at the site to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident.
Action Follows Complaints and Notices
According to district administration officials, the action followed complaints alleging unauthorised construction of the party office. Notices were issued on July 15 asking the concerned persons to appear for a hearing as part of the statutory process.
“The administration has initiated proceedings strictly in accordance with the provisions of the law. Notices have been served after receiving complaints regarding alleged unauthorised construction, and the matter is currently under adjudication. Any further action will be taken only after the hearing and in compliance with the relevant legal provisions,” a senior South 24 Parganas district administration official said.
Officials added that the authorities decided to proceed with the demolition after receiving no response to two notices served to the concerned persons.
According to the notices, the land on which the party office stands was allegedly purchased in the name of a company, Leaps and Bounds. The administration also sought clarification regarding ownership documents and records related to the construction.
BJP Welcomes Demolition
The demolition triggered celebrations among Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers and supporters gathered near the site, who raised slogans in support of the party.
BJP MLA from Amtala Agnishwar Naskar welcomed the action and alleged that the party office had been constructed in violation of building regulations.
“The structure was built illegally, and the administration has finally acted in accordance with the law,” Naskar said.
Tight Security at the Site
Security was strengthened around the premises from Saturday morning, with barricades erected and senior police and civil administration officials monitoring the operation.
“We have made all necessary arrangements to ensure that the proceedings are carried out peacefully and in accordance with law. The demolition work is being done strictly based on the legal process and the outcome of the hearing,” an official said.
Abhishek Banerjee is the TMC Lok Sabha MP from the Diamond Harbour constituency, of which Amtala is a part. There was no immediate response from the TMC or Banerjee regarding the demolition.
