Abhishek Banerjee birthday clash: Lalbazar takes over probe, recreates scene with 3 arrested

The Kolkata Police's Detective Department has taken over the investigation into the violence that erupted in Kalighat during celebrations marking Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee's birthday. The development comes days after clashes broke out near his residence, with allegations that police personnel were assaulted while attempting to bring the situation under control.

On Tuesday morning, police took the three arrested men to the site of the incident, near Abhishek Banerjee's residence, to recreate the sequence of events. The reconstruction was conducted under heavy police security as investigators attempted to establish how the violence unfolded and identify others involved.

The investigation was initially being handled by Kalighat police station. However, following the latest developments, the Lalbazar Detective Department has now been entrusted with the probe.

Four cases registered, three arrested

Violence broke out in the Kalighat area on Friday night as supporters gathered to celebrate Abhishek Banerjee's birthday. The situation reportedly escalated following confrontations between TMC supporters and local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers, with arguments, physical altercations and stone-pelting reported.

There were also allegations of vandalism, including damage to property near Abhishek's residence and office. Several potters in the Patuapara area reportedly suffered losses, with multiple idols and materials used for their work damaged during the unrest.

A large police contingent reached the spot to control the situation. However, officers allegedly faced harassment from Abhishek's supporters, with accusations that a police personnel was slapped while attempting to restore order.

Four cases have been registered at Kalighat police station in connection with the incident, including two suo motu cases initiated by the police. The remaining two were registered following separate complaints from the opposing sides.

Police have so far arrested three people after examining CCTV footage from the area. They have been identified as Mohammed Tauqir Alam, Mohammed Ershad and Sreedip Das. The Kalighat TMC unit has claimed that all three are party workers.

According to reports, Tauqir Alam and Ershad were arrested in connection with a complaint filed by a woman, Guria Hari, while Sreedip Das was arrested in connection with a suo motu police case. The police are also examining footage from the surrounding roads to identify other people involved in the violence.

Three accused taken to spot for reconstruction

Following their arrest, the three men were questioned by investigators to establish the sequence of events and determine whether others were involved in the clashes and alleged assault on police personnel.

On Sunday, the three accused were produced before the Alipore court, which remanded them to eight days of police custody.

On Tuesday morning, officers took them to the scene of the incident under tight security and carried out a reconstruction of the events. The exercise is aimed at establishing how the confrontation began, the individual roles of those involved and what transpired after police personnel arrived at the spot.

The Detective Department will now investigate the various aspects of the incident, including the alleged assault on police officers and damage to property.

Suvendu Adhikari orders strict action

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had directed the police to take strict action against those involved in the violence, without making any individual a political focus.

Speaking on Monday, Adhikari referred to the incident without naming Abhishek Banerjee and said that anyone found threatening or assaulting police personnel should face charges under the appropriate provisions of law.

"I will not accuse anyone by name. I do not want to make anyone a hero. If someone slaps a police officer, raises a hand against them, gives them threatening looks, attempts to assault them or threatens them, cases should be registered against everyone under the appropriate sections of the law," he said.

The chief minister, who also holds the police portfolio, said officers had sustained injuries and undergone medical examinations. He added that the police had registered cases after examining video footage of the alleged obstruction of government officials performing their duties.

"Police personnel have been injured. They have also undergone medical examinations. Cases have been registered against those identified through video footage of obstruction of government work. There will be a chargesheet, and there will also be a custodial trial. Nobody will be spared," Adhikari said.

The police are continuing to examine CCTV footage and question the arrested men as the investigation gathers pace. The transfer of the probe to the Lalbazar Detective Department is expected to bring the various allegations, including the clashes, vandalism and assault on police personnel, under a single investigation.