The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has sought an urgent appointment with President Droupadi Murmu and the Governor of West Bengal following an alleged attack and vandalism at the party's office on Camac Street in Kolkata on Thursday morning.

TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee alleged that BJP workers were behind the incident, claiming that the attackers entered the party office in the early hours, damaged equipment and took away electronic items. He also questioned the response of the Kolkata Police and demanded action against those responsible. 

TMC Seeks Intervention

The party's decision to approach the President and the West Bengal Governor comes amid heightened political tensions in the state. The TMC has sought an opportunity to present its concerns regarding the alleged attack and the law-and-order situation.

The incident took place at the TMC office on Camac Street, a prominent location in central Kolkata. Visuals circulated after the incident showed damage inside the premises, while separate footage purportedly showed masked and helmeted men leaving the office with items including television sets and a printer. 

Abhishek Banerjee Alleges BJP Role

Abhishek Banerjee accused BJP workers of carrying out the alleged attack and described the incident as a serious law-and-order concern. He claimed that party workers were assaulted and that mobile phones and office equipment were taken or damaged.

Banerjee also alleged that the police were informed about the incident but did not respond promptly. He demanded that those involved in the alleged attack be identified and arrested.

The allegations have not been treated as established facts, and the circumstances surrounding the incident remain subject to investigation.

BJP Rejects Allegations

The BJP has rejected the TMC's allegations. BJP leader Sajal Ghosh described the incident as staged, according to reports, and questioned the TMC's version of events. 

The competing claims have added to an already tense political atmosphere in West Bengal, with both parties trading allegations over the incident.

Police Investigation Underway

The incident has drawn the attention of Kolkata Police, with reports stating that six people have been detained in connection with the alleged vandalism. Authorities are expected to examine CCTV footage and other evidence to establish what happened at the party office and identify those responsible.

The police investigation will be significant in determining whether the allegations made by the political parties are supported by evidence.

Earlier Dispute at Same Office

The latest incident comes days after another controversy involving the same Camac Street premises. On August 27, a confrontation reportedly broke out when Kolkata Municipal Corporation officials, accompanied by police personnel, attempted to remove an allegedly unauthorised hoarding from the building.

TMC leaders Derek O'Brien and Abhishek Banerjee were subsequently questioned by police in connection with that episode. Multiple cases were registered and several people were arrested in the earlier matter. 

Political Tensions Escalate

The latest confrontation is likely to intensify the political exchanges between the TMC and BJP in West Bengal. The TMC has sought intervention from constitutional authorities, while the BJP has disputed the party's account of the incident.

The investigation and any subsequent action by law-enforcement authorities will determine the next course of the matter.

The accused have been identified as Supawadee Sukuliyat and Suthuwana Kut, both Thai nationals. According to police, the women entered India on tourist visas and arrived in Kolkata on a flight from Bangkok. Acting on specific intelligence, STF officers conducted a raid at a hotel in the city's Bhawanipur area on Tuesday morning, where the two women had allegedly checked in before meeting local contacts.

20 Grams of MDMA Recovered

During the operation, STF personnel recovered 20 grams of MDMA, a synthetic psychoactive substance commonly known as "Molly" in crystal form and "Ecstasy" in tablet form. Police estimated the seized narcotics to have an illegal market value of more than ₹1 lakh.

The recovered substance has been seized, and a case has been registered under the relevant provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. The accused have been taken into custody for further questioning.

Probe into International Drug Trafficking Network

According to STF sources, investigators had been monitoring intelligence inputs for several days regarding a suspected international drug trafficking route operating between Bangkok and Kolkata.

Officials believe the seized consignment may have been intended for distribution through local operatives, with a possible connection to illegal rave party networks in the city. The investigation is also focusing on identifying individuals who were expected to receive and distribute the drugs after delivery.

Police are examining whether the arrests are linked to a broader cross-border narcotics syndicate operating across Southeast Asia and eastern India.

Investigators Tracking Local Links

Preliminary findings suggest that international traffickers may rely on intermediaries and encrypted communication platforms to establish contacts with local distributors. According to investigators, Kolkata-based operatives allegedly coordinate the storage and circulation of synthetic drugs after they enter the country.

Officials are now working to identify the intended recipients of the seized MDMA and determine whether previous consignments may have reached the city through similar methods.

Alleged Smuggling Techniques Under Investigation

During initial interrogation, the two accused reportedly claimed they had received training in methods designed to conceal narcotics while travelling internationally.

Investigators suspect the drugs were hidden in a manner that enabled them to evade baggage screening procedures at both Bangkok and Kolkata airports. Authorities are examining how the alleged concealment escaped routine security checks and whether any additional individuals assisted in the operation.

Further Investigation Underway

The STF is continuing its investigation to trace the supply chain, identify local associates, and determine the full extent of the alleged trafficking network. Officials have indicated that additional arrests may follow as the probe progresses.

Authorities are also coordinating with central agencies and other law enforcement units to verify whether the case is connected to larger international drug smuggling operations targeting Indian metropolitan cities.

Chandranath Rath, the personal assistant to Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead late Wednesday night on National Highway 12 near Madhyamgram in North 24 Parganas district. Police said the attackers had been tracking his movements for at least a week before intercepting his vehicle and firing at close range.

The incident occurred around 11:30 pm when Rath was travelling in a Scorpio towards Siliguri. Near the Doharia area on Jessore Road, bike-borne assailants surrounded the vehicle and opened fire. The driver and two others were also injured.

Eight to fifteen rounds

Initial reports suggested four rounds were fired. But police later revised the count to 8-10 rounds. Hospital sources, however, told reporters that post-mortem examination suggested up to 15-16 bullet injuries. A three-member medical team led by Dr Kallol Ray has been constituted for the autopsy.

Rath sustained gunshot wounds to his chest and head. He was declared brought dead at a nearby hospital.

Movement tracked for a week

Police analysis of CCTV footage from key roads revealed the attackers had monitored Rath’s daily routine meticulously — the routes he took, the vehicle he used, and even the seat he occupied inside the car.

“The assailants knew exactly when and where to intercept him,” an official familiar with the probe said.

Kolkata Police have so far collected footage from eight CCTV cameras. State DGP Siddhinath Gupta is personally reviewing the visuals. A Special Investigation Team is being formed.

Political fallout

BJP workers staged a blockade on NH-12 overnight, demanding an encounter of the attackers. Party spokesperson Keya Ghosh appealed for calm but alleged that back-office BJP workers were being deliberately targeted. “The BJP envisions a government of change, not revenge,” she said.

BJP leader Rakesh Singh went further, demanding the arrest of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and party leader Abhishek Banerjee. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to arrive in Kolkata later today.

TMC demands court-monitored CBI probe

In an unexpected move, the Trinamool Congress condemned the killing and demanded a CBI inquiry under court supervision. “We demand strict action. The killing of other BJP and TMC workers should also be investigated,” the party said in a statement.

Mother alleges political motive

Hasirani Rath, the victim’s mother, demanded life imprisonment for the killers. “I do not want them hanged, I want life imprisonment,” she said, alleging her son was targeted for political reasons linked to Adhikari’s electoral victory over Banerjee.

Separate shooting same night

About an hour after Rath’s killing, a BJP worker named Rohit Roy was shot and critically injured in Basirhat district. Over the last two days, at least five political workers — two from the BJP and three from the TMC — have reportedly been killed in the state.

A special session of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly has been called for May 25.