The West Bengal government plans to recover three times the assessed value of property damaged during acts of vandalism through a newly enacted law designed to uphold public order, according to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. Speaking to representatives from civil society and business groups on Saturday, he noted that while the right to protest remains protected, any violence or harm to industrial sites would trigger firm measures and substantial financial penalties. The sums involved could be collected by auctioning an offender’s assets if payment is not made. This announcement follows the state assembly’s approval of two measures on June 28 intended to enhance authorities’ ability to address organized crime and public disturbances. The West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Act holds individuals liable for costs arising from damage to public or private property in riots or unlawful gatherings. The companion legislation allows preventive detention for as long as 12 months without trial. Officials state the framework aims to safeguard industrial assets and build investor confidence by enforcing accountability for destruction.
