Kolkata: Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee has vowed to take legal action after he was allegedly attacked during a visit to Sonarpur in West Bengal. The TMC MP claimed that the incident, in which he was pelted with stones and eggs and physically assaulted, was captured on camera and that he would present the evidence in court.
Details of the Alleged Assault
Banerjee was visiting Sonarpur to meet families affected by post-poll violence when unidentified individuals allegedly hurled stones, shoes, and eggs at him while shouting slogans calling him a thief. The TMC MP was later seen being escorted away from the area wearing a police helmet, with his shirt torn during the incident.
Banerjee's Statement
Speaking to the media, Banerjee stated, "They wanted to kill me. The whole incident has been captured on camera. We will definitely let the high court know about this. We will also let the governor know about this. I will definitely move to court." He further elaborated on the attack, saying, "They threw a brick, threw an egg, and pelted stones. Please tell me what this is. And all the people standing nearby, the people of the area, they are still meeting us and still greeting us with love and respect. Go and ask those who are doing hooliganism here. We have all the video evidence. There's a community hall nearby. From 11 am onwards, goons were kept in that community hall to pelt stones. Look at what's happened to my glasses. They hit my eye with a brick, and I can't open my eye. He's punched me in the back, chest, arm, and leg. I was wearing a helmet, otherwise my head would have been split in two. You can make my body fall, but my resolve is strong and strong, the passion and enthusiasm are still there, and this head won't bow down."
Allegations of Pre-Planning and Police Inaction
Banerjee accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating the attack, calling it "BJP-sponsored" and an example of their democracy. He also criticized the local police for their absence, stating, "Look what they have done to me. This was pre-planned. There is 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." He added, "It hasn't even been a month, and the police are nowhere to be seen."
Context of the Visit
Banerjee's visit to Sonarpur was intended to offer support to families who were victims of post-poll violence. The TMC MP's encounter with the alleged attackers has sparked political tensions, with the TMC accusing the BJP of using violence to suppress opposition voices.
The incident has drawn widespread attention, and Banerjee's promise to move the court indicates that legal proceedings are likely to follow. The TMC has also called for a thorough investigation into the matter.
