Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee has been named in a First Information Report (FIR) alongside 41 party members for an alleged attack on a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) worker that occurred nearly eight years ago.
Details of the Complaint
The complaint was lodged at Diamond Harbour police station on Tuesday by BJP leader Abhijit Das, who contested against Banerjee in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Das alleged that the assault, which took place in December 2018, was carried out on Banerjee's direct instructions. The attack reportedly left Das with a fractured spine, requiring prolonged hospitalisation and extensive medical treatment.
Background of the Case
The incident dates back to the pre-election period when political tensions were high in West Bengal. Das claimed that he was targeted due to his political affiliation with the BJP. The FIR names Banerjee as the primary accused, along with 41 other TMC members, under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including attempt to murder and criminal conspiracy.
This development comes as a significant political move, given that Banerjee is a key figure in the TMC and the nephew of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The BJP has seized upon the FIR to criticise the TMC's alleged history of political violence, while the TMC has dismissed the complaint as politically motivated and baseless.
Reactions and Next Steps
Abhishek Banerjee has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the FIR. However, TMC spokespersons have described the complaint as a desperate attempt by the BJP to tarnish their leader's image ahead of upcoming elections. The police are expected to investigate the matter, and further legal proceedings will follow.
The case highlights the ongoing political rivalry between the TMC and BJP in West Bengal, where clashes between party workers have been a recurring issue. This FIR adds another layer to the complex political landscape of the state.
