4th FIR filed over Abhishek Banerjee birthday clashes at Kalighat
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
A fourth FIR has been registered by the Kolkata Police in connection with the violence that erupted in front of the residence of All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee at Kalighat Road, Kolkata, on the intervening night of 6 and 7 November 2026. The latest complaint was filed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), taking the total number of FIRs in the matter to four — all lodged at the Kalighat Police Station.
What the Fourth FIR Alleges
The BJP's complaint accuses Abhishek Banerjee and his supporters of blocking the road outside his residence to mark his 39th birthday, and subsequently engaging in skirmishes with local residents — including BJP workers — in the area. The incident unfolded in phases between 2:30 am and 3:30 am on the intervening night of Friday and Saturday, as a large number of TMC leaders and activists had gathered at midnight to celebrate the Diamond Harbour MP's birthday.
Earlier FIRs and Arrests
Of the three earlier FIRs, two were registered suo motu by the Kolkata Police. Notably, one of these suo motu FIRs named Abhishek Banerjee himself. The third FIR was filed on a complaint from Banerjee at the Kalighat Police Station, in which he accused 'unknown BJP workers' of attacking his supporters who had gathered to celebrate his birthday.
Police have so far arrested two persons in connection with the violence. The main charges against the arrested duo include physically assaulting on-duty police personnel — including allegedly slapping a policeman.
How the Violence Unfolded
Tension escalated outside Banerjee's Kalighat residence in South Kolkata as supporters of the BJP and TMC began arguing and clashing. The situation turned violent, with reports of brick-throwing and face-to-face confrontations between the two groups. Police were forced to resort to baton charges to disperse the mob. Abhishek Banerjee was reportedly seen in a heated argument with on-duty police officers during the standoff. Some persons from both groups sustained injuries.
Banerjee alleged that the TMC office was also vandalised during the unrest, and separately claimed that an attempt was made to assassinate him — a charge that authorities have not independently confirmed.
Mamata Banerjee's Response
On Saturday morning, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee — who is also Abhishek Banerjee's aunt and whose residence falls under the jurisdiction of the same Kalighat Police Station — announced she would approach the Supreme Court over the incident. She described the events as a 'joint conspiracy' involving BJP workers and police personnel from the Kalighat Police Station, specifically naming the officer-in-charge, Bolai Bag.
What Happens Next
With four FIRs now active and the Chief Minister threatening to escalate the matter to the Supreme Court, the incident is set to become a flashpoint in the already charged political rivalry between the TMC and BJP in West Bengal. The Kalighat Police Station remains at the centre of the controversy, with its officers accused of complicity by the ruling party's top leadership. How the courts and the police handle the cross-complaints will be closely watched.