A public interest litigation has been moved before the Calcutta High Court seeking action against police officers allegedly present during an episode of vandalism and bulldozer demolition near the historic Hogg Market area in central Kolkata, following the declaration of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election results.
The plea was mentioned before a Division Bench comprising Justice Arijit Banerjee and Justice Rai Chattopadhyay, which permitted the matter to be formally filed.
What does the PIL allege?
The petition alleges that temporary structures of hawkers adjacent to Hogg Market were demolished by a group of individuals carrying BJP flags on the night of the counting day, allegedly in the presence of police personnel and central forces who did not intervene to prevent the destruction. The petitioner has sought directions for an inquiry against the police officers concerned for failing to act.
According to the plea, tensions erupted across the New Market area following the election results, with allegations of vandalism of roadside stalls as well as a Trinamool Congress party office. The petition describes the incident as a “bulldozer rampage” carried out despite the visible presence of security forces, raising questions about the conduct and accountability of law enforcement personnel on the ground.
What wider relief has been sought?
Beyond the Hogg Market incident, the PIL has sought broader intervention from the High Court regarding alleged post-poll violence reported from various parts of West Bengal following the assembly election outcome. The petitioner has urged the Court to take cognisance of alleged attacks on political offices and acts of vandalism occurring in the aftermath of the results.
A separate plea has also been filed by the Aam Janata Unnayan Party, led by Humayun Kabir, alleging large-scale post-poll violence in Murshidabad district.
Background
Post-poll violence in West Bengal has been a recurring flashpoint after each election cycle, with allegations typically emerging from multiple sides of the political divide. The High Court’s decision to allow the PIL to be formally filed signals that the judiciary will examine the claims. No hearing date or interim direction has been reported at this stage.
This is a developing legal matter. Business Upturn will update coverage as the case progresses before the Calcutta High Court.