Chaos broke out outside Kolkata airport on Friday night as supporters of Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) clashed near the arrival terminal, triggering panic among passengers and causing massive traffic snarls in the area.
Alleged Plan and Confrontation
According to sources, a group of BJP supporters had gathered outside the airport carrying rotten eggs, allegedly planning to target TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on his return from Delhi. However, word of the alleged plan reportedly reached TMC supporters, who rushed to the spot and confronted the BJP workers.
Violent Altercation
What followed was a violent altercation, with members of both camps exchanging blows, hurling abuses, and using helmets and other objects during the scuffle. The clash unfolded in full public view, leaving passengers exiting the airport stunned as police scrambled to restore order.
Police Intervention and Abhishek Banerjee's Exit
Amid heightened security, Banerjee emerged from the airport at around 10.15 pm. Escorted by a heavy police contingent, he quickly boarded a waiting vehicle and left the premises without interacting with supporters or the media. Officers intervened and physically separated the rival groups to prevent further escalation.
Impact on Traffic and Services
The violence also disrupted traffic outside the terminal, with long queues forming near the arrival gates and passengers struggling to access the terminal. App-based cab services were hit as police personnel stationed at Yatri Sathi counters were diverted for crowd-control duties.
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About the Author
Tamaghna Banerjee, a reporter from Kolkata, covers crime, aviation, human rights, and politics. He has a keen interest in human interest and rural reporting. He has done his postgraduation in journalism and mass communication. He has a total of 14 years in journalism.
