“2,000 workers attacked, 365 offices vandalised”: TMC moves Calcutta HC over post-poll violence

All India Trinamool Congress has approached the Calcutta High Court alleging widespread post-poll violence across West Bengal following the Assembly election results declared on May 4. A Public Interest Litigation filed by Trinamool-backed lawyer Shirshanya Bandyopadhyay claimed that nearly 2,000 party workers and supporters had been physically attacked within six days of the results, while at least 365 party offices were allegedly vandalised or set on fire in different districts of the state.

The matter was mentioned before a division bench comprising Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Parthasarathi Sen on Tuesday. Considering the seriousness of the allegations, the court accepted the plea for an urgent hearing and scheduled the matter for hearing next Thursday. Court sources indicated that the state government could be asked to submit a report regarding the steps taken to control the situation and maintain law and order.

According to the petition, several Trinamool workers and supporters have allegedly been displaced and forced into hiding due to fear and insecurity after the change of government in the state. The plea sought immediate judicial intervention to restore peace and law and order. It also requested an investigation into the incidents by a neutral central or independent agency if required.

The petition further alleged that police inaction had allowed the violence to continue across several regions. The filing came amid political exchanges over incidents reported from areas including Saptagram, Chakdaha and Khejuri. Abhishek Banerjee earlier alleged that Trinamool workers had been targeted in attacks carried out by “BJP-backed goons” and criticised the response of law enforcement agencies.

In a social media statement regarding the incidents, Abhishek Banerjee alleged that police remained inactive while attacks on Trinamool workers continued in multiple districts. He also criticised the BJP leadership over the handling of the situation in the state. The High Court case was filed as the new BJP-led government continued administrative and governance-related meetings at Nabanna following the change of power in Bengal.