Kolkata: Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee was allegedly roughed up by a group of locals during a visit to West Bengal’s Sonarpur area on Saturday, police said.
Banerjee had visited the area to meet families affected by alleged post-poll violence when unidentified individuals reportedly hurled stones, shoes and eggs at him. Witnesses said some people also attempted to physically assault the TMC leader while shouting slogans calling him a “thief”.
Visuals from the scene showed Banerjee being escorted away by security personnel and supporters wearing a police helmet for protection. His shirt appeared torn during the incident.
Following the attack, Banerjee alleged that the incident was pre-planned and criticised the absence of adequate police deployment in the area.
“Look what they have done to me. This was pre-planned. There are no police in the area. They want to kill me. I will not leave this place till the local police send their force and offer protection to the victims’ families,” Banerjee told reporters while interacting with the family of a deceased victim of post-poll violence.
Police officials confirmed that an altercation took place during the visit and said they were examining the circumstances surrounding the incident. Details regarding arrests or identification of those involved were not immediately available.
The episode has added to the already tense political atmosphere in West Bengal, where allegations and counter-allegations over post-poll violence have frequently triggered confrontations between rival political groups.
Further investigation is underway.
