You are no more above law, Agnimitra tells Abhishek

Kolkata: A day after Trinamool general secretary Abhishek Banerjee threw an open challenge for anyone to prove he violated KMC building rules, state municipal affairs minister Agnimitra Paul said it was incumbent on him to reply to the notices and provide clarification, and not the other way round. "For 15 years, you were above the law. But not any more," Paul said on Saturday.The KMC buildings department and the assessment department sent notices to 17 properties, purportedly owned or co-owned by Banerjee. Mayor Firhad Hakim acknowledged the notices were sent but clarified neither did he know nor was he supposed to know about notices being issued. "Banerjee did not initially accept that notices were sent to him. Does he think himself to be above the law? For 15 years, you were above the law but not any more. About this building of yours, it is being said some portions were built without permission. You have to come to the office and clarify, like any other person. If you have valid papers and documents, there will be no action. There can be a mistake on our end," Paul said. "It is your responsibility to come and provide the clarification. If you think yourself to be a prince and that you won't do anything or say anything, we will take action."Asked about the notices on Friday, Banerjee appeared annoyed. "Those asking such questions should first ask the KMC buildings department which portions of the buildings are illegal. Once they answer, I will respond. Mark the illegal part and I will answer."