Civic workers demolished a temporary structure and an iron gate on Thursday to clear a footpath in Kolkata.
Civic workers used a bulldozer on Thursday to demolish a temporary bamboo shed and remove an iron gate outside the Kolkata residence of TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee. The residence is located at 121, Kalighat Road. According to Telangana Today, a large contingent of Kolkata Police and central forces was deployed during the operation to clear the footpath.
The iron gate, which was installed outside the boundary wall, was dismantled using a gas cutter following allegations that it encroached on the footpath. Local residents had previously raised concerns that the structure restricted pedestrian movement and caused congestion.
TMC spokesperson Arka Nag said the shed was originally erected by the West Bengal Directorate of Security when Banerjee had Z-plus security cover to accommodate protection personnel. Nag stated that because the additional security cover was withdrawn, the structure was no longer required and arrangements were being made to remove it.
The demolition follows claims by Banerjee that police personnel were conducting surveillance outside his residence using vehicles on Wednesday. Banerjee shared a video on social media to support these allegations. The TMC claimed that police presence on Wednesday evening was intended to facilitate the removal of the shed.
The incident occurs amid a political standoff between the TMC and the BJP-led state government. Tensions regarding the structure previously flared on November 6 during celebrations for Banerjee's birthday.
