Siliguri, 08th April: A campaign poster-related dispute in Siliguri has taken a legal turn amid the election season, with police registering a case against BJP candidate Shankar Ghosh and his supporters under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The action was initiated based on a complaint lodged by Panitanki Outpost OC Nirmal Kumar Das. It has been alleged that on the night of April 5, posters and flags of TMC candidate Gautam Deb were torn and defaced. A general diary was initially filed and an investigation was launched.
On April 6, when police reached the spot to conduct an inquiry, the situation reportedly turned tense. According to police, around 20–25 supporters led by Shankar Ghosh arrived at the scene and objected to the proceedings, leading to a heated argument.
The complaint further alleges that BJP supporters obstructed government duty, misbehaved with police personnel, and issued threats. It is also alleged that while leaving, Shankar Ghosh pushed a police officer and attempted to block the road. Supporters later gathered in front of Panitanki Outpost and reportedly blocked the gate for some time.
Police have registered a case against Shankar Ghosh and several BJP workers under various sections of the BNS, including 189(2), 126(2), 221, 231, 115(2), and 351(2), and have started a detailed investigation.
Siliguri Metropolitan Police DCP Tanmay Sarkar confirmed that the complaint has been registered and video footage of the incident is being collected. Further action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
Meanwhile, TMC candidate Gautam Deb criticised the BJP over the incident and urged the Election Commission and police to take strict legal action.