Kolkata, April 6 The Kolkata Police have filed an FIR against TMC candidate from the Behala West Assembly constituency, Ratna Chattopadhyay, and six others in connection with alleged vandalism in the Parnasree area of South Kolkata, officials said on Monday.
The case was registered on April 5, following complaints of disturbances in the area during the campaign for the upcoming Assembly elections.
Six persons have so far been arrested in connection with the case, including one of those named in the FIR, for their "direct involvement" in the vandalism, a police officer said.
"Chattopadhyay was found indulging in vandalism at Parnasree on Sunday, following which an FIR was lodged. An investigation has been initiated to ascertain the sequence of events and the role of those named in the FIR," a police officer said.
"The case was registered after BJP leader Manoj Halder lodged a complaint against Chattopadhyay and six others. In the complaint, he alleged that seven TMC workers wrongfully restrained him and others, physically assaulted one of his associates, and stole laptops and other materials from their party office," the officer said.
"Halder claimed that the accused persons also vandalized the area in front of the party office by damaging flags and banners," the officer added.
BJP's Behala West candidate, Indranil Khan, also lodged a complaint at the Parnasree police station, alleging that TMC workers vandalized the party's election office.
An official of the Election Commission said it has sought a report from the district authorities.
"We have asked for a detailed report. Any violation of the election Model Code of Conduct will invite appropriate action in accordance with the law," the official said.
There was no immediate reaction from Chattopadhyay or the TMC on the allegations.
Polling in the Behala West Assembly constituency, located in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district, is scheduled for April 29.
