The office of North 24 Parganas Zilla Parishad chairman Narayan Goswami was allegedly vandalised after a group of around 30 to 50 people entered the district council building and searched for him, according to a report by Anandabazar. Goswami was not present at the office when the incident occurred on Monday.
Employees said the group entered the chairman’s office after being told that he was away. The visitors allegedly argued with staff and remained inside the building. They then entered the room assigned to the chairman and began searching through items, according to accounts cited in the report.
The office’s almirah and showcase were reportedly damaged during the incident. Items were removed and scattered, while the doors of an almirah were allegedly broken after the group kicked them. The reported damage has raised questions about security at a key local-government office that handles district-level administrative and development responsibilities.
Durga Sen Mallick, the chairman’s personal assistant, said the group had arrived suddenly and asked employees about Goswami’s whereabouts. She said the condition of the almirah and showcase indicated that the room had been thoroughly disturbed. Her account did not identify the people involved or establish why they had come to the office.
District council employee Asit Majumdar said around 30 to 40 people entered the room at once and asked for the almirah keys. An employee was called by telephone during the episode, but the reason for the group’s presence remained unclear. Majumdar said he did not recognise any of those who entered.
The incident also leaves unanswered whether the group had any political connection. Majumdar said the identities of those involved, the reason for their visit and any political link had not been established. The report did not clarify whether a police complaint had been filed.
Goswami, a former Trinamool Congress legislator, said he had heard about the incident but did not know who had carried it out or why. He said he would speak with departmental employees before taking administrative action.
The reported vandalism follows another incident involving Goswami. A few days earlier, eggs were allegedly thrown at his vehicle, after which he had said he would step down as chairman of the district council. The latest incident adds to the security concerns surrounding the office and its staff, while the identities, motive and administrative response remain to be established.
