After cop surveillance claim, Abhishek Banerjee alleges bid to seize documents

Nearly a week after claiming that unidentified people had kept his Kolkata home and office under surveillance, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee approached the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Thursday, warning that BJP-linked individuals, allegedly aided by certain police personnel, could attack the premises and forcibly seize documents related to the ongoing TMC name-symbol dispute case.In a representation to the poll panel, Banerjee's lawyer, Arka K Nag, warned of possible further attacks on the premises and attempts to take away or interfere 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 people associated with the BJP could, allegedly with the support, assistance or connivance of certain police personnel, attempt to enter or attack the premises with the specific objective of taking possession of documents and other materials prepared for the ECI proceedings. The lawyer said the apprehension was particularly significant in view of the dispute case, which is pending before the Commission.Any attempt to intimidate those involved or interfere with the preparation and preservation of affidavits and documents could directly affect the concerned party's ability to participate effectively in the proceedings, the representation said.

It further stressed that the adjudicatory process before the Commission must remain free from intimidation, coercion, unlawful interference or attempts to obstruct the submission of relevant evidence. All parties, it said, must have a fair opportunity to prepare, preserve and submit their documents and evidence.Banerjee's lawyer said the sequence and proximity of the incidents had given rise to a genuine apprehension of further attacks on the premises and attempts to forcibly take or interfere with materials connected to the pending case.In a tweet on November 6, Abhishek Banerjee claimed that unidentified individuals claiming to be police personnel have been conducting surveillance of his office and residence.While demanding an immediate probe, the TMC leader claimed that he had details of the registration number of the motorcycle used by them."When confronted, they claimed to be police personnel," Banerjee said at the time.- Ends