Police issue notice to Baiswanor Chattopadhyay summoned over KMC secretary harassment allegations

Political tensions inside the Kolkata Municipal Corporation escalated after police summoned mayoral council member Baiswanor Chattopadhyay over allegations of harassing the corporation secretary during Friday’s disrupted municipal session. The development follows complaints filed by Municipal Commissioner Smita Pandey and the corporation secretary at New Market Police Station regarding the incident that unfolded inside the civic headquarters.

The controversy began after the municipal commissioner cancelled Friday’s KMC session. Despite the cancellation order, Chairperson Mala Roy reportedly instructed councillors to attend the session. However, with the main assembly hall locked from inside, the meeting was eventually conducted in the visitors’ room. During the standoff, Trinamool councillors staged protests inside the councillors’ club at the municipal headquarters.

According to allegations, a delegation of Trinamool representatives later went to the office of the corporation secretary demanding that the assembly hall be opened. Sources claimed the delegation was led by Baiswanor Chattopadhyay. Allegations were subsequently made that the secretary was verbally abused and harassed during the confrontation. Following the complaints filed later that night, police issued a notice summoning Baiswanor Chattopadhyay as part of the investigation into the incident.

Responding to the allegations, Baiswanor Chattopadhyay defended his actions and stated that, as a mayoral council member, he had the right to demand that the municipal assembly hall be opened. Meanwhile, state Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul stated on Sunday that harassment or humiliation of government officials would not be tolerated. She said Sudip Polle had already been arrested and added that orders had also been issued to arrest “Mr. Chatterjee,” triggering speculation over whether she was referring to Baiswanor Chattopadhyay.