Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata

Kolkata, Aug 29: Kolkata Police on Saturday registered a suo motu FIR against former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over alleged violation of a Calcutta High Court order during the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) foundation day rally in central Kolkata on Friday.

The FIR was registered at Hastings Police Station following instructions from West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari earlier in the day.

Banerjee has been accused of violating restrictions imposed by the Calcutta High Court on the TMCP rally at Cathedral Road. The FIR also alleges that the programme continued beyond the court-prescribed deadline.

According to police, Banerjee's followers were also involved in scuffles with police personnel deployed at the venue and obstructed them from performing their duties.

The Calcutta High Court had directed that the rally be confined to one lane of the road, with the second lane kept open for traffic. The court had also permitted the programme between noon and 3 pm.

Police said both lanes remained blocked for a substantial period after the programme began, causing significant traffic congestion in the area. The rally also continued beyond 3 pm, in alleged violation of the court's directions.

Banerjee has further been accused of inciting her supporters to disregard the restrictions and confront police personnel, according to the FIR.

Earlier on Saturday, Adhikari said he had directed the police to register the FIR and approach the Calcutta High Court, informing it about the alleged violations.

"The Court clearly directed them to conduct the rally keeping one of the two lanes free for traffic movement. The former Chief Minister assembled people and blocked both the lanes. I have directed the police to register an FIR in the matter. I have also directed the police to approach the Calcutta High Court in the matter. The matter will not be taken so easily," Adhikari said.