A demolition operation began on Saturday against a Trinamool Congress office in Amtala that is linked to the party's national general secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee, with authorities alleging that the five-storey structure was built without the required approvals.
According to news agency PTI, district officials claimed the building had been constructed without a sanctioned building plan and in violation of applicable building regulations.
Excavators were deployed to carry out the demolition under heavy security. Personnel from the West Bengal Police and Central Armed Police Forces were stationed at the site, while Fire and Emergency Services teams remained on standby as a precaution.
The party office is situated in Amtala, which falls within Banerjee's Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency.
The operation prompted celebrations among BJP workers and supporters assembled nearby, who raised slogans in support of the party.
BJP MLA from Amtala Agnishwar Naskar backed the administration's action, alleging that the building had been erected in breach of construction rules.
"The structure was built illegally, and the administration has finally acted in accordance with the law," Naskar said.
District administration officials said the demolition followed complaints regarding alleged unauthorised construction. They stated that notices had been issued to the concerned parties, asking them to appear for a hearing as part of the statutory process.
"The administration has initiated proceedings strictly in accordance with the provisions of the law. Notices were served after complaints were received regarding the alleged unauthorised construction, and the matter is under adjudication," a senior South 24 Parganas district administration official told PTI.
"Any further action will be taken only after the hearing and in compliance with the relevant legal provisions," the official added further.
Authorities also tightened security around the premises from Saturday morning, erecting barricades around the building while senior police and civil administration officials supervised the operation.
"We have made all necessary arrangements to ensure that the proceedings are carried out peacefully and in accordance with the law. The demolition work is being undertaken strictly on the basis of the legal process," the official said.
According to notices issued by the district administration, the plot on which the party office stands was allegedly purchased in the name of a company, Leaps and Bounds.
The notices also sought clarification regarding land ownership documents and records related to the construction of the building.
Officials said the administration decided to proceed with the demolition after receiving no response to two notices served on the persons concerned.
