Billboard Case: Abhishek Banerjee Appears Before Kolkata Police for Questioning

Abhishek Banerjee Appears at Shakespeare Sarani Police Station

Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee appeared before Kolkata Police on Wednesday, October 14, for questioning in connection with the Camac Street billboard-removal case.

Banerjee, who also serves as the TMC’s national general secretary, reached Shakespeare Sarani Police Station in central Kolkata at around 11:30 am, according to a police officer quoted by news agencies.

The Diamond Harbour MP was summoned in connection with a complaint lodged by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) following a confrontation on August 27. The incident occurred when civic officials and police personnel attempted to remove a billboard displaying the TMC’s name and twin-flower symbol from a building housing the party’s office on Camac Street.

The appearance marked another stage in the police investigation into the incident, which led to protests by TMC supporters and the registration of three first information reports (FIRs). <Cite refs={["turn125488news5","turn125488news6"]}/>

What Is the Camac Street Billboard Case?

The case centres on the removal of signage from a building associated with the TMC’s party office in central Kolkata.

According to the complaint described by police, municipal workers and police personnel faced obstruction, harassment and alleged assault while attempting to remove the billboard. TMC supporters protested during the operation, leading to a confrontation between the groups.

The civic body had raised concerns about the signage, which it considered unauthorised. The incident subsequently became a political issue, with TMC leaders criticising the police action and questioning the timing of the investigation.

Three FIRs were registered at Shakespeare Sarani Police Station in connection with the August 27 disturbance. The fire department also reportedly issued a separate notice related to the matter.

The allegations are part of an ongoing investigation. The registration of FIRs does not establish the guilt of any individual; the claims must be assessed through the evidence gathered by investigators and any subsequent legal proceedings. <Cite refs={["turn125488news5","turn125488news17"]}/>

Why Was Abhishek Banerjee Summoned Again?

Banerjee had previously appeared before investigators in September and was questioned in connection with one of the cases. Police subsequently sought another round of questioning as part of the continuing investigation.

According to reports, officers attempted to serve a notice at his Kalighat residence on October 7, but Banerjee was not available. A fresh notice was delivered at the residence on October 11, directing him to appear before investigators on October 12.

Banerjee did not attend on the earlier date, saying that the notice had given him insufficient time to rearrange his prior commitments. He reportedly informed the police by email that he required at least 48 hours’ notice and expressed his willingness to cooperate with the investigation.

Police then asked him to appear on October 14. He attended the police station on Wednesday as directed. <Cite refs={["turn125488news8","turn125488news17","turn125488search13"]}/>

Three FIRs Registered Over the August Incident

The registration of three FIRs highlights the scope of the investigation into the confrontation involving TMC supporters, municipal officials and police personnel.

The complaints concern allegations of obstruction and misconduct during the attempt to remove the billboard. Police are investigating the circumstances of the confrontation and the conduct of those involved.

The authorities have not publicly established the allegations as proven facts. Banerjee’s appearance for questioning is part of the investigative process and should not be interpreted as a finding of guilt.

The police investigation is expected to examine the complaint, statements from those involved and other available evidence to establish the sequence of events.

TMC Leaders Criticise the Police Action

The latest summons drew criticism from TMC leaders, who questioned the timing of the police notices during the Durga Puja period.

TMC MLA and spokesperson Kunal Ghosh criticised the move, alleging that the timing reflected political considerations. The party has previously described the police action against its leaders as politically motivated.

These claims reflect the TMC’s position. The police have described the notices as part of the investigation into the August 27 incident, and the available reporting does not independently establish that the investigation is politically motivated. <Cite refs={["turn125488news6","turn125488news11"]}/>

Investigation Continues

Banerjee’s appearance before Kolkata Police brings the investigation back into focus as authorities continue examining the circumstances surrounding the billboard-removal operation.

The case has become a point of political confrontation in West Bengal, with the TMC criticising the investigation and the authorities pursuing allegations linked to the August incident.

Further developments will depend on the findings of the police investigation and any subsequent legal action.

Conclusion

Abhishek Banerjee appeared before Kolkata Police on October 14 for questioning in the Camac Street billboard case. The investigation concerns the August 27 confrontation during an attempt to remove TMC signage from a building housing the party office.

With three FIRs registered, police are continuing to investigate allegations of obstruction and misconduct. The allegations remain subject to investigation and due legal process.