FIR filed against Abhishek Banerjee over Motor Vehicles Act violations in Kolkata
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
An FIR has been registered against All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) General Secretary and Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha member Abhishek Banerjee for alleged violations of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, Kolkata police confirmed on Thursday, 2 July. The case was filed at Kalighat police station in South Kolkata following a complaint by a private citizen.
The Complaint and Allegations
The complainant, Rajiv Sarkar, a resident of Baguiati, alleged that security personnel were riding dangerously on the footrest of Banerjee's moving vehicle — a practice that, according to police, has been observed on multiple occasions. Sarkar cited violations of Section 123 of the Motor Vehicles Act, which prohibits hanging from or travelling on the exterior of a moving vehicle, and Section 184, which makes dangerous driving a punishable offence.
Sections Invoked in the FIR
The case has been registered under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) — including Section 281 (rash or negligent driving endangering human life), Section 125 (rash driving), Section 223 (disobedience of lawful orders), and Section 3(5) (common intention) — along with relevant sections of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Sarkar has demanded appropriate action against Banerjee in connection with the incident.
Mounting Legal Troubles for Banerjee
This FIR adds to a growing list of legal challenges facing Banerjee. He has been under scrutiny by both the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on corruption-related matters for an extended period. Separately, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has reportedly withdrawn Banerjee's protection in a defamation case filed by Akash Vijayvargiya, son of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kailash Vijayvargiya.
There have also been allegations of corruption linked to Banerjee's constituency welfare initiative 'Sebashray', launched for residents of the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency. A signature mismatch case and remarks attributed to him — including a controversial statement widely reported as the 'DJ will be played after May 4' comment — have further compounded his legal exposure.
No Response Yet from Banerjee
As of the time of reporting, Abhishek Banerjee had not publicly responded to the latest FIR. The case is expected to draw political attention given Banerjee's seniority within the TMC and his proximity to the party's leadership. How the Kolkata police proceed with the investigation will be closely watched.