Calcutta HC seeks police report on vandalism at TMC's July 21 rally venue, says 'any breach of peace is unacceptable'

The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday directed the police to submit a report on the action taken over allegations of vandalism at the Trinamool Congress (Kalighat faction) Martyrs' Day rally venue ahead of the party's July 21 programme in Kolkata. The matter was mentioned before Justice Sougata Bhattacharya by counsel Arka Nag, who informed the court that a complaint regarding the alleged attack on the stage had been emailed to Chief Justice Tapobrata Chakraborty on Monday night. Referring to its earlier order directing police to maintain law and order during multiple political rallies in the city, Justice Bhattacharya said any breach of peace after the court's directions was unacceptable.

The court asked the police to submit a detailed report on the steps taken in the matter and directed the Joint Commissioner of Police to ensure adequate security at the rally venue to prevent any untoward incident. According to the allegations made by the Kalighat faction, a group of miscreants vandalised the stage near Birla Planetarium on Monday night by tearing banners and posters, damaging the sound system, and cutting electrical and microphone cables. The faction also alleged that workers involved in setting up the venue were assaulted and later threatened while dismantling equipment after the programme.

Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the venue shortly after midnight following the reported vandalism. She said supporters remained at the site throughout the night to guard the rally venue and thanked those who stayed to ensure the programme could be held. Addressing the gathering on Tuesday, Mamata Banerjee thanked the Calcutta High Court for directing the police to provide security around the venue. She also alleged that the BJP had attempted to disrupt the Martyrs' Day programme and claimed that supporters were being prevented from attending the rally.