BJP men led the group that raided Anandabazar Patrika office in Kolkata

According to a report by Alt News, a group allegedly led by members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) conducted a raid on the Anandabazar Patrika (ABP) office in Kolkata on September 1. The incident has sparked significant local debate regarding political conduct and the role of party supporters in protests against media organizations.

In response to the allegations, the BJP has officially distanced itself from the actions of the group. State spokesperson Debjit Sarkar addressed the media, asserting that the party was not involved in the incident. Sarkar further stated that the mere act of wearing saffron attire should not be conflated with official political identity or party endorsement, suggesting that the individuals involved were not acting under the party's directive.

The Anandabazar Patrika office, a prominent media institution in West Bengal, has not released a formal statement regarding the extent of the damage or the specific nature of the confrontation. The incident remains a point of contention as local authorities monitor the situation for potential escalations between political factions and media outlets in the region.