Kolkata Police Summons Derek O’Brien Over Billboard Controversy

Kolkata, India Aug 30, 2026 ALN: Kolkata Police issued a summons to Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha member Derek O’Brien on Sunday in connection with FIRs filed over the removal of an illegal billboard from the roof of Abhishek Banerjee’s party office on Camac Street in Central Kolkata. This incident has sparked significant political tension, reflecting the ongoing struggles and conflicts between political parties in West Bengal.

The summons comes at a time when political rivalries in the region are particularly heightened, especially as West Bengal gears up for future electoral contests. The billboard in question, which was reportedly unauthorized, had been a point of contention for the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), which is responsible for regulating such installations. The KMC's actions to remove the billboard were met with resistance from party activists, indicating the deep divisions that exist within the political landscape of the state.

In the notice, the party’s Rajya Sabha member has been asked to appear at Shakespeare Sarani Police Station by noon on August 31. The timing of the summons is crucial, as it underscores the increasing scrutiny of political figures and their activities, particularly in relation to law and order issues. The KMC, which operates under the jurisdiction of the state government, has been under pressure to enforce regulations more stringently, especially in urban areas where illegal advertising has become rampant.

Incidentally, on Saturday night, cops from the same police station arrived at the residence of Trinamool Congress general secretary and the party’s Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha member Abhishek Banerjee and issued a summons to him in the same matter. This dual summons indicates a coordinated effort by law enforcement to address the situation and possibly deter further unrest. Banerjee, who is the nephew of former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, is a prominent figure within the Trinamool Congress and has been active in advocating for the party's interests.

In the notice, Banerjee has been asked to be present at the Shakespeare Sarani Police Station by noon on September 1. The involvement of high-ranking party officials in this legal matter raises questions about the accountability of political leaders and their adherence to municipal regulations. The public's reaction to these summonses could influence the party's standing among voters, especially if perceived as politically motivated.

Officers from the Shakespeare Sarani police station arrived at O’Brien’s house on Prince Anwar Shah Road in South Kolkata shortly after 9 a.m. on Sunday. “After several knocks, a representative of O’Brien came out, and our officers handed over the interrogation notice to him,” said a city police officer. This method of delivering the summons highlights the procedural aspects of law enforcement and the importance of ensuring that all parties are properly notified of legal proceedings.

However, neither Banerjee nor O’Brien made it clear whether they would be appearing at the police station and face the interrogation in the matter. Their decision to comply or resist could have significant implications for their political careers and the Trinamool Congress's image as a whole. In a politically charged environment like West Bengal, the actions of leaders often resonate deeply with their base, and any perceived evasion of legal responsibilities might lead to public backlash.

Tension broke out on Camac Street on Thursday afternoon after Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) staff, accompanied by police personnel, reached Abhishek Banerjee’s Camac Street office to remove the illegal billboard. The presence of police during the removal operation indicates the seriousness with which the KMC is treating unauthorized structures, which can obstruct public spaces and violate city planning laws.

However, KMC staff and police personnel faced stiff resistance from the party activists led by Abhishek Banerjee, O’Brien, and other Trinamool Congress leaders. Scuffles broke out between the cops and the party activists, illustrating the volatile nature of political protests in the region. Such confrontations can escalate quickly, leading to broader unrest and drawing in more supporters or opponents, thereby complicating the situation further.

In the three FIRs filed at Shakespeare Sarani Police Station in the matter, the city police have accused the Trinamool Congress activists of not only assaulting the on-duty cops but also attempting to outrage the modesty of a female police officer. These serious allegations reflect the intense emotions surrounding political disputes and the potential for violence when opposing factions clash. The involvement of gender-based allegations adds an additional layer of complexity to the case, as it may invoke public sympathy or outrage depending on the narratives that emerge.

In two of the three FIRs filed in the matter, Banerjee, O’Brien, and other Trinamool Congress leaders, such as Humayun Kabir and Baishwanar Chatterjee, have been named. The police have arrested 14 people in this connection so far. The arrests signify the police's commitment to addressing the violence that erupted during the incident, but they also raise questions about the treatment of political activists and the potential for state overreach in suppressing dissent. Such actions can have far-reaching implications for civil liberties and the relationship between the state and political entities.

As the situation develops, it will be crucial to observe how both the Trinamool Congress and the Kolkata Police navigate these legal challenges. The outcomes of these summonses and any subsequent legal proceedings could set precedents for how political disputes are handled in the future, especially in a state where political affiliations are deeply intertwined with local governance and civic life.