Bulldozers demolish alleged illegal TMC-linked construction in Hooghly’s Konnagar

Authorities demolished an alleged illegal Trinamool Congress party office built on government land in Konnagar of Hooghly district as part of an ongoing drive against unauthorised constructions across West Bengal. The demolition took place in Ward No. 20, where bulldozers razed a structure allegedly linked to TMC councillor Khokon Pal. Officials claimed the construction had been carried out illegally on government land.

The action in Konnagar comes amid similar demolition drives conducted in several parts of Kolkata, including Kasba, Tiljala and Beleghata. Municipal authorities carried out operations against allegedly unauthorised structures following directives issued after the political change in the state. Questions have since been raised regarding how such constructions allegedly continued for years without intervention from civic authorities.

The state’s new Urban Development Minister, Agnimitra Paul, publicly questioned the role of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation and former TMC leadership regarding the alleged illegal constructions. She alleged that permissions had been granted for buildings in restricted spaces and questioned whether senior leaders including Firhad Hakim, Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee were aware of the alleged violations. The minister also alleged that bribes had been accepted and action deliberately avoided.

After assuming office, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced strict measures against illegal constructions and directed authorities to intensify enforcement operations. Following those instructions, municipal authorities launched multiple demolition drives using bulldozers across Kolkata and nearby districts. Residents in several areas watched as structures alleged to have been built through political influence were brought down during the operations.

According to municipal sources, demolition action has also targeted two high-rise buildings in Tiljala allegedly linked to Faiyaz Ahmed Khan, son of TMC MLA Javed Khan. Notices were reportedly sent to the MLA’s office as part of the ongoing inquiry into alleged unauthorised constructions. The state administration has maintained that action against illegal buildings will continue across both Kolkata and district areas.