Kolkata TMC-BJP clash: 2 arrested over Mukundapur party office dispute
Synopsis
A turf war over a party office in Kolkata's Mukundapur turned violent Tuesday night, landing two men in custody and leaving former IPS officer and ex-TMC MLA Humayun Kabir bleeding. With video evidence under scrutiny and police signalling more arrests are possible, the incident spotlights the intensifying ground-level clash between TMC and BJP in urban West Bengal.
Key Takeaways
Purba Jadavpur police arrested Srideep Das and Pritam Pandey on 23 September after a TMC-BJP clash in Mukundapur, Kolkata .
The violence erupted on Tuesday night during a TMC programme demanding vacation of a disputed party office.
Former IPS officer and ex-TMC MLA Humayun Kabir was injured and has also been accused of assault.
Police are analysing video footage and eyewitness statements; further arrests are possible.
The political affiliations of the two arrested individuals have not been officially confirmed by TMC.
Purba Jadavpur police on Wednesday, 23 September arrested two individuals in connection with a violent clash between All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers over the occupation of a party office in Kolkata's Mukundapur area. The arrested persons have been identified as Srideep Das and Pritam Pandey, though their political affiliation remains officially unconfirmed.
How the Violence Erupted
Tensions between TMC and BJP workers boiled over on Tuesday night when a programme organised by local Trinamool workers — demanding the vacation of the disputed party office — descended into a quarrel and then a scuffle. Police were forced to intervene to restore order. Several people sustained injuries in the melee.
Among the injured was former IPS officer and ex-Trinamool MLA Humayun Kabir, who was reportedly left bleeding during the clash. Kabir has also been accused of assault, according to reports. A formal written complaint was subsequently filed at Purba Jadavpur police station, setting the investigation in motion.
Status of the Arrests and Investigation
Police arrested Das and Pandey during the ongoing probe, though the specific charges and evidence against them are yet to be formally disclosed. Investigators are currently examining video footage and statements from eyewitnesses to establish a clearer sequence of events and identify further suspects.
A police officer, speaking to reporters, indicated that more arrests could follow. 'Efforts are being made to identify them. The role of the remaining accused is being verified by examining the video footage. If specific evidence is found, more arrests may follow,' the officer stated.
Political Dimensions
The clash has drawn sharp political attention, centering on two flashpoints: the alleged occupation of a party office, and the injuries sustained by a prominent figure in Humayun Kabir. The TMC has not yet publicly confirmed whether the two arrested individuals are affiliated with the party, leaving room for competing narratives from both sides.
This comes amid a broader pattern of TMC-BJP friction across West Bengal, where disputes over political turf — offices, ground-level programmes, and local influence — have frequently escalated into confrontations, particularly in urban Kolkata constituencies. The Mukundapur incident is the latest in a series of such clashes that have put law enforcement in the state under scrutiny.
What Happens Next
Police have said the investigation remains active, with video analysis ongoing. Political pressure from both parties is expected to intensify as more details emerge about the identities and roles of those involved. Further arrests, according to investigators, cannot be ruled out.
Point of View
A ground-level programme — that quickly becomes a proxy for broader turf control. What makes this incident notable is the presence of a former IPS officer and sitting political figure at the centre of both the violence and the allegations. When someone with a law-enforcement background ends up both injured and accused in the same incident, it reflects how deeply partisan the ground has become. The investigation's credibility will hinge on whether police follow the video evidence wherever it leads, regardless of political affiliation — something that has not always been a given in Bengal's contested political environment.
NationPress
23 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested after the Kolkata TMC-BJP clash?
Police arrested Srideep Das and Pritam Pandey in connection with the clash. Their exact political affiliation has not yet been officially confirmed by either party.
What triggered the violence in Mukundapur?
The clash broke out on Tuesday night when local Trinamool Congress workers organised a programme demanding that a party office in Mukundapur be vacated. The situation escalated from a quarrel into a physical scuffle, prompting police intervention.
Who is Humayun Kabir and what is his role in the incident?
Humayun Kabir is a former IPS officer and ex-Trinamool MLA. He was reportedly left bleeding during the clash and has also been accused of assault, with a formal complaint filed at Purba Jadavpur police station.
Could more arrests follow in the Mukundapur case?
Yes. Police have stated that video footage and eyewitness accounts are still being analysed. An officer said more people may be involved and further arrests will follow if evidence supports it.
What is the broader context of TMC-BJP clashes in West Bengal?
Disputes over party offices, local events, and political influence have repeatedly triggered confrontations between TMC and BJP workers across West Bengal, particularly in urban Kolkata. The Mukundapur incident is the latest in a pattern of such clashes.
