FIR against Ratna Chatterjee in Parnasree incident; 6 TMC workers arrested

An FIR has been registered against Ratna Chatterjee in connection with the Parnasree incident in Kolkata, where alleged vandalism took place outside a BJP office. Police have arrested six Trinamool Congress workers in the case, invoking multiple legal provisions, including non-bailable sections, as tension escalated in the area ahead of the elections.

The incident occurred in the Parnasree area of Behala, where allegations surfaced that posters and banners of BJP candidate Indranil Khan were torn and the party office was vandalised. According to BJP allegations, a group of TMC supporters initially entered the office to put up posters, and after an altercation, a larger group allegedly returned and carried out the vandalism, including assault on a party worker and theft of a laptop.

Police intervened after receiving information and brought the situation under control. However, tension flared again outside the police station when supporters of both parties gathered, leading to slogan shouting and confrontation. A complaint filed by BJP leader Manoj Halder led to the FIR, which names Ratna Chatterjee along with several others.

Responding to the allegations, Ratna Chatterjee denied her presence at the scene, stating that she was at home during the incident and only went to the police station after learning that party workers had been detained. She questioned the basis of the FIR, saying that even if individuals seen in footage were her supporters, authorities should verify whether she was present within a 10-kilometre radius.

Launching a sharp attack on the Election Commission of India, she said she had always believed the institution to be impartial but expressed concern over its actions. She added that filing a case alone does not establish guilt and stated that she would respond in detail after the elections, as the incident continues to fuel political tensions in the region.