Full Breakdown
Abhishek Banerjee Summoned Again in Camac Street Billboard Probe
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Police Serve Second Notice to TMC Leader
On October 11, 2026, a team from Shakespeare Sarani police station visited the Kalighat residence of Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee. The officers handed a fresh notice to his staff, summoning him for another round of questioning in the ongoing Camac Street billboard case. This is the second police visit to the house within a week; the first, on October 7, found Banerjee absent and the notice unreceived.
Background & Context
The dispute stems from a disturbance on August 27 when Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) officials and police attempted to remove a billboard bearing the TMC name and its twin-flower symbol from a building that houses Banerjee’s party office on Camac Street. Supporters of Banerjee blocked the removal, leading to clashes in which police and civic workers alleged harassment and assault. The KMC lodged a formal complaint, prompting the registration of three FIRs at Shakespeare Sarani police station.
Timeline
- August 27 – KMC officials and police try to dismantle the TMC billboard; protests erupt.
- October 7 – Police first attempt to serve a notice at Banerjee’s residence; he is not home.
- September 1 – Banerjee appears before Kolkata police for earlier questioning in the same matter.
- October 11, 2026 – Police return, serve a second notice to Banerjee’s staff.
- October 8 – Calcutta High Court dismisses a petition by Banerjee alleging leaks of investigation details, directing him to approach the appropriate bench.
Data & Statistics
- Three FIRs have been lodged in connection with the Camac Street incident.
- The fire department issued a separate notice related to the same matter.
- The notice served on October 11 was delivered after a brief wait of about half an hour outside the residence, according to the attending officers.
Official Statements & Responses
- A police officer confirmed that the notice was served to Banerjee’s staff after initial reluctance to accept it.
- The KMC’s complaint alleges that its personnel were assaulted while attempting to remove the billboard.
- TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh condemned the timing of the police action, arguing that it was inappropriate given the proximity of Mahalaya and Durga Puja.
Criticism & Opposition
Kunal Ghosh, MLA and TMC spokesperson, accused the ruling BJP-aligned government of low-level conduct, asserting that the notice was issued at an inopportune moment when major religious festivities were imminent.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The BJP (government) has stooped so low that a notice has been served even after Mahalaya when the Durga Puja is just days away.” — MLA Kunal Ghosh
What’s Next
The Calcutta High Court has instructed Banerjee to file his petition regarding alleged investigative leaks with the appropriate bench that has jurisdiction over such matters. No further police actions have been reported beyond the October 11 notice.