Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee did not appear before Shakespeare Sarani police on Monday in connection with the Camac Street billboard case, instead seeking a fresh summons with at least 48 hours’ notice. Police later asked him to appear next Wednesday.
Banerjee had been directed to appear before investigators over an FIR related to an August 27 dispute involving the removal of a TMC-branded billboard outside the party’s office. The case concerns allegations of obstruction and assault involving civic personnel and police during the removal drive.
In an email to the police, Banerjee cited the short notice and prior parliamentary commitments for his non-appearance. He described the requirement to appear within the stipulated period as “arbitrary and unreasonable”, arguing that it did not provide a reasonable opportunity to accommodate earlier engagements.
The summons and the FIR relate to the administration of public-space enforcement in the Camac Street area, where civic personnel and police had gone to remove the billboard. The allegations concern the conduct of individuals present during that operation; the report does not establish the guilt of any person named in connection with the case.
Banerjee’s request was subsequently followed by a direction to appear next Wednesday. The next appearance is expected to determine how investigators proceed with questioning in the case.
The matter also drew political comment on Monday. Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya referred to alleged “corruption” concerning “Sebaashray” and the investigation involving Banerjee, without naming him directly. He also questioned why no action had been taken against an unnamed successor, saying he could not instruct the chief minister to act.
The police investigation follows a civic drive involving a political billboard, placing enforcement personnel, public advertising and political offices at the centre of the dispute. Further developments will depend on Banerjee’s scheduled appearance before Shakespeare Sarani police next Wednesday.
