Calcutta High Court seeks report from police on vandalism at TMC’s July 21 rally venue

The Calcutta High Court has sought a report from the police on the action taken over allegations of vandalism at the Trinamool Congress’ (Kalighat faction) Martyrs’ Day rally venue on the eve of its July 21 programme in Kolkata on Tuesday.

The matter was mentioned before Justice Sougata Bhattacharya by counsel Arka Nag, appearing for the Kalighat TMC, who informed the court that a complaint had been emailed to Chief Justice Tapobrata Chakraborty on Monday night after the alleged attack on the stage.

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Referring to its earlier order directing the police to maintain law and order in view of multiple political rallies in the city on July 21, the court questioned why such an incident had occurred despite prior instructions.

Justice Bhattacharya said any breach of peace after the court’s directions was unacceptable and asked the police to submit a detailed report on the steps taken by the police.

The Joint Commissioner of Police was also instructed to ensure adequate security at the rally venue to prevent any untoward incident.

The Kalighat TMC alleged that a group of miscreants vandalised its stage near Birla Planetarium on Monday night, tearing banners and posters, damaging the sound system and cutting electrical and microphone cables.

The faction also claimed that workers engaged in setting up the venue were assaulted and later threatened while dismantling equipment after the programme.

Former chief minister Mamata Banerjee visited the venue shortly after midnight following reports of the alleged vandalism.

“We had to guard the rally area the whole night. I am thankful to all the supporters and colleagues who stayed with me the whole night so that we can conduct the meeting in the morning,” Mamata Banerjee said.

She accused the BJP of attempting to disrupt the Martyrs’ Day observance and alleged that supporters were being prevented from attending the rally.

She also claimed that families of those commemorated on the occasion were being intimidated by the police.

Addressing the gathering on Tuesday, Banerjee thanked the Calcutta High Court for directing the police to ensure security around the rally venue. “They were stopping us from doing our programme. I want to thank the Calcutta High Court for allowing us to conduct the rally,” she said.