LIC Land Dispute intensifies as LIC orders Kolkata’s Suruchi Sangha to vacate a 21-katha property allegedly used for Durga Puja celebrations, warning of legal action if the land is not cleared by July 18.
Insurance giant LIC issues eviction notice to Kolkata’s famous Durga Puja club, warning of strict legal action if the land is not vacated within the stipulated deadline.
Qalam Times News Network
Kolkata | June 21, 2026
LIC Land Dispute has taken center stage in Kolkata after the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) formally directed Suruchi Sangha, one of the city’s most prominent Durga Puja organizers, to vacate a parcel of land in New Alipore that it claims belongs to the insurance corporation. The notice reportedly instructs the club to clear the premises by July 18, failing which further legal measures may be initiated.
According to officials familiar with the matter, LIC has alleged that nearly 21 kathas of its land have been under the occupation of the club for years and have been used for organizing the annual Durga Puja celebrations. In connection with the LIC Land Dispute, the corporation has also displayed a public notice on the property, clearly stating that the land must be vacated within the specified timeframe. The notice further warns that non-compliance could result in stronger legal action.
Suruchi Sangha has long been regarded as one of Kolkata’s most celebrated community Durga Puja organizers, attracting thousands of visitors every year with its elaborate themes and large-scale festivities. The club has historically been associated with former West Bengal minister Arup Biswas and his brother Swarup Biswas. Among the public, the puja was often identified with the influence and leadership of the Biswas family, with Swarup serving as the club’s secretary for an extended period.
Sources indicate that LIC had earlier approached local authorities and filed complaints regarding the ownership of the land. The corporation reportedly maintained that repeated requests for the return of the property did not yield any result. As a consequence, the matter eventually escalated through official channels, culminating in the latest eviction notice.
The development comes at a time when Suruchi Sangha has already been facing public scrutiny due to multiple controversies linked to its administration. Allegations of irregularities within the club have surfaced over recent years, drawing attention from both political observers and law enforcement agencies.
The controversy intensified further after allegations were raised against Swarup Biswas by a woman who reportedly lodged a complaint with Regent Park Police Station. The matter generated significant public attention and added to the challenges facing the club. Following his arrest in a separate case, incidents of vandalism were reported at the club premises, where signboards, banners, and promotional materials associated with Suruchi Sangha were allegedly damaged.
For decades, Suruchi Sangha’s Durga Puja has been considered one of the landmark celebrations in Kolkata’s festive calendar. The event regularly attracted senior political leaders, cultural personalities, and thousands of visitors from across the state. Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had also attended inauguration ceremonies of the puja on multiple occasions, underscoring the event’s prominence.
With LIC now demanding possession of the disputed land, uncertainty surrounds the future use of the property and whether one of Kolkata’s most recognized Durga Puja venues will be able to continue operating from the same location. Legal and administrative developments in the coming weeks are expected to determine the next phase of the LIC Land Dispute.
