Derek O’Brien questioned over TMC office clash

Kolkata police questioned TMC Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien on Wednesday regarding a violent clash at party leader Abhishek Banerjee's office over the removal of a billboard displaying TMC branding. O’Brien and Banerjee's assistant Sumit Roy arrived at the Shakespeare Sarani police station around 10 a.m. O’Brien was questioned about various aspects of the incident, following Banerjee's earlier police questioning on Tuesday.

The TMC national general secretary is one of two accused in two FIRs; O’Brien and Humayun Kabir are among others named. Police had summoned O’Brien on Monday, but he requested additional time, which was denied. Charges include obstructing officials, unlawful assembly, assault, and harming women. The billboard, positioned on an iron structure on Camac Street, was taken down by Kolkata Municipal Corporation workers after police forcibly entered the building.

O’Brien alleged police arrived with an illegal notice, assaulted leaders, and harassed party supporters. Currently, 14 individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident.