PIL in Calcutta High Court over post-poll vandalism, use of bulldozer

MP, May 8, 2026, Kolkata: A public interest litigation (PIL) was filed before the Calcutta High Court on Thursday seeking judicial intervention into incidents of post-poll violence across West Bengal, including alleged vandalism in Kolkata’s New Market area and damage to a Lenin statue in Murshidabad’s Jiaganj.

The matter was mentioned before a division bench headed by Justice Arijit Banerjee and is likely to come up for hearing on Friday.

The petitioner is learnt to have alleged that temporary structures belonging to hawkers near Hogg Market, adjacent to New Market, were demolished using a bulldozer by a group carrying BJP flags after the Assembly election results were declared.

The plea also referred to the vandalism of a Lenin statue at Jiaganj in Murshidabad district amid continuing reports of political violence from different parts of the state.

The petitioner sought action against police personnel who were allegedly present during the Hogg Market violence and urged the court to intervene in the deteriorating law-and-order situation linked to post-poll clashes.

Tension had gripped the New Market area after reports emerged that roadside stalls and temporary structures were damaged during the violence.

There were also allegations that a local Trinamool Congress office was targeted, triggering panic among traders and residents in the busy commercial hub.

Police and Central Forces later reached the area to restore order.

Around eight persons have been arrested in connection with the incident, and an FIR has been registered under relevant sections of the BNS.

Authorities are also considering legal action against those who allegedly rented out the bulldozer used in the vandalism.

Meanwhile, Bengal DGP Siddh Nath Gupta warned that victory processions involving bulldozers would not be permitted and said strict action would be taken against violators.