‘Old’ BJP vs ‘new’ BJP: Kolkata police start probe after threat plaints

KOLKATA: Around 50 grassroots political workers from Behala and Anandapur approached Kolkata Police to resolve a post-election "identity crisis" following which cops moved the judiciary to launch a probe, aimed at determining who legally constituted the "real BJP" functionaries in those areas. The court allowed the investigation.

Around 41 people from Jyotinagar near Rabindra Nagar in Behala under Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) Ward 129, who claimed themselves to be BJP ward functionaries, approached the Parnasree PS, stating since May 4, youths, who were active Trinamool workers, had been visiting them and threatening them.

"They are smearing saffron gulal on people, shutting shops down, threatening the owners and using filthy language. They are even trying to control the community hall and local clubs," the complaint stated.

The police have moved the additional chief judicial magistrate (ACJM) court in Alipore, seeking permission for investigation.

"A letter was received from Sudipta Bose and others. It was stated certain individuals are threatening BJP members and locals into closing their shops, driving them out of their homes, and taking over the community hall. The matter needs to be investigated... The petition said threats were made against BJP party members and locals...," police submitted in court.

At Anandapur, another nine BJP members lodged a complaint, saying a group of armed men had barged into homes in Bantala in the dark.

"Covering their face in saffron gulal, they claimed to be BJP members and vandalised many homes, stole money and gold from homes and even attempted to molest women. The accused are terrorising the area with guns and pistols," the complaint stated. "We are living in fear. We earnestly request you to take appropriate legal action against the accused."

The written complaint details a long-standing pattern of intimidation, illegal land-grabbing and anti-social activities by a syndicate.

Police confirmed investigations into both the cases were under way to trace the digital footprints of the perpetrators, examine the structural damage, and restore public order and confidence in affected areas.