Abhishek Banerjee expresses apprehension of attempt to seize documents before Election Commission

According to an India Today report, Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee approached the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday. He has warned that individuals linked to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with the alleged help of some police personnel, could attack his premises and attempt to forcibly seize documents related to the ongoing TMC name-symbol dispute case. About a week ago, he had claimed that unidentified people had kept surveillance on his Kolkata home and office.

In the representation submitted to the Election Commission, Abhishek Banerjee's lawyer Arka K. Nag warned about further possible attacks on the premises and attempts to remove or tamper with affidavits and other documents prepared for submission before the Commission. Banerjee has also claimed that surveillance is being maintained on him and his residence-cum-office.

The representation stated that persons associated with the BJP, with the support, assistance, or connivance of some police personnel, may attempt to enter or attack the premises with the specific objective of taking possession of documents and other material prepared for ECI proceedings. The lawyer stated that this apprehension is particularly important given the dispute case currently pending before the Commission.

Any attempt to intimidate anyone involved or interfere with the preparation and maintenance of affidavits and documents could directly affect the relevant party's ability to effectively participate in the proceedings, the representation stated. It further emphasized that the judicial process before the Commission must remain free from fear, coercion, illegal interference, or attempts to obstruct the presentation of relevant evidence. It stated that all parties should get a fair opportunity to prepare, preserve, and submit their documents and evidence.

Banerjee's lawyer stated that the sequence and proximity of events give rise to a genuine apprehension of further attacks on the premises and attempts to forcibly take or tamper with materials linked to the pending case. In a tweet on November 6, Abhishek Banerjee claimed that unidentified individuals claiming to be police personnel were conducting surveillance of his office and residence.

While demanding an immediate probe, the TMC leader claimed that he has the details of the registration numbers of the motorcycles used by them. The TMC leader said that when confronted, they claimed to be police personnel.