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Former West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee faced a hostile reception in Halisahar in North 24 Parganas district on Sunday when protesters surrounded her convoy and allegedly hurled stones, mud, shoes and water bottles at her vehicle.
Banerjee was travelling to meet the family of Birju Keot, a former TMC worker who allegedly died in police custody.
Keot had reportedly been arrested on an extortion-related allegation and was subsequently remanded in police custody.
His family has alleged that he was tortured and beaten in custody, though police have not yet publicly responded to the allegation.
As Banerjee’s convoy reached the area, protesters reportedly surrounded her car and shouted slogans including “chor” (thief) and other anti-TMC slogans.
Mud was allegedly smeared on the vehicle, while stones, footwear and water bottles were thrown at it.
Police intervened and attempted to push the protesters away from the convoy.
Speaking to reporters afterward, Banerjee said the attack could have caused serious injury or even killed her.
She alleged that stones and bricks were thrown at her vehicle despite police being present and accused the authorities of failing to provide adequate security.
Banerjee also accused the state administration of allowing “anti-social elements” to attack her and questioned the role of the police.
Her remarks are likely to intensify the political confrontation between the TMC and the BJP-led state government.
The BJP denied involvement in the incident. West Bengal BJP president Shamik Bhattacharya condemned the attack and called on police to take action against those responsible, saying the party was not connected to the incident.
The incident has added to political tensions in West Bengal, particularly over allegations surrounding the death of Keot in police custody and the deteriorating relationship between the TMC and the BJP-led administration.
