Lagatar24 Desk
Kolkata: TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee was attacked during a visit to Sonarpur in West Bengal on Saturday, where he had gone to meet families affected by post-poll violence. Eggs and stones were thrown at his convoy while BJP workers allegedly raised “chor chor” slogans, with security personnel escorting him while wearing a helmet amid the chaos.
Attack During Post-Poll Violence Visit
Banerjee had travelled to Sonarpur to visit the families of post-poll violence victims when the attack took place. Visuals from the scene showed security personnel surrounding and escorting him as tensions rapidly escalated in the area. The TMC alleged that BJP workers were behind the assault.
Banerjee Calls It BJP-Sponsored Attack
Speaking to the media after the incident, Banerjee alleged the attack was entirely orchestrated by the BJP. He said it had not even been a month since the elections and that police were nowhere to be seen. He further claimed the attackers intended to kill him and that the entire incident was captured on camera, adding that he would approach the High Court and the Governor over the matter.
Helmet Saved Him, Clothes Torn and Spectacles Broken
Banerjee said he narrowly escaped serious injury, stating that his head was spared only because he was wearing a helmet. He added that his clothes were torn and his spectacles broken during the attack, and declared he would not leave the area until adequate police and security forces arrived.
Mamata Banerjee Hits Out at BJP
Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reacted sharply to the incident, posting on X that rulers had become killers and expressing shame over the BJP’s conduct.
Derek O’Brien Questions Security Withdrawal
TMC Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien also raised an alarm over Banerjee’s safety, alleging on X that the Lok Sabha leader of the second-largest opposition party had been lynched and attacked by BJP supporters. He questioned why security was withdrawn on the day of counting and demanded that the Home Minister respond.
Police and Central Forces Eventually Reach Spot
Banerjee claimed that despite the TMC having mailed and called the police in advance about the visit, no officers responded or were present at the scene. Police personnel and central forces eventually reached the spot and escorted Banerjee to safety amid the tense situation.
