The West Bengal administration plans to collect three times the assessed value of any property damaged by acts of vandalism, according to a new strict regulation designed to uphold public order. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari made this announcement, cautioning that attacks on industrial facilities would result in substantial monetary fines.
During a gathering with civil society members and business representatives in Bhawanipur on Saturday evening, he noted that while individuals possess the freedom to demonstrate, such actions must not escalate into violence or harm industrial sites.
Should an offender be unable to cover the costs, authorities may seize and sell their assets to recover the amount, the Chief Minister added.
On June 28, the West Bengal legislature approved two bills related to law enforcement intended to enhance the state’s ability to address organized crime and maintain public peace.
These measures include amendments to the West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order Act, which makes persons financially responsible for harm to public and private assets in cases of riots or violent demonstrations, and the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Bill, allowing preventive detention for as long as 12 months without a court hearing.
Adhikari explained that anyone who forcibly closes an industrial facility and causes damage will face imprisonment along with a fine amounting to three times the loss incurred. For instance, damage valued at 10 million rupees would require payment of 30 million rupees.
Officials indicated that the amended act seeks to safeguard industrial and public properties while boosting investor trust through enforced responsibility for any destruction.
