WB Polls: PIL In Calcutta High Court Seeks Action Against Alleged 'Bulldozer Demolition' At Kolkata's New Market

A public interest litigation has been moved before the Calcutta High Court seeking action against police officers allegedly present during the 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 also seeks the court's intervention into other instances of post-poll violence, including vandalism and breakage of a statue of Vladimir Lenin in Murshidabad.

The plea was mentioned before a Division Bench, which permitted the matter to be formally filed.

The plea alleges that temporary structures of hawkers adjacent to Hogg Market were demolished by a group of persons carrying BJP flags on the night of the counting day, allegedly in the presence of police personnel. The petitioner has sought directions for an inquiry against the officers concerned for allegedly failing to prevent the violence and destruction.

According to the plea, tension erupted in the New Market area after the election results, with allegations of vandalism of roadside stalls as well as a Trinamool Congress party office. The petition claims that a “bulldozer rampage” was carried out in the area despite the presence of police and central forces.

Apart from seeking action in relation to the Hogg Market incident, the PIL has also sought wider intervention from the High Court regarding alleged incidents of post-poll violence reported from different parts of the State.

The petitioner has urged the Court to take cognisance of alleged attacks on political offices and acts of vandalism occurring after the elections.

Another plea has been filed by Humayun Kabir-led Aam Janata Unnayan Party, alleging large-scale post-poll violence in Murshidabad.