Kolkata: Five Trinamool Congress workers, including a former councillor, were arrested in connection with a violent clash between TMC and BJP supporters outside Kolkata airport on Friday night. The incident triggered panic among passengers and caused massive traffic disruptions.
The clash escalated into a political controversy after TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee alleged that a BJP supporter was carrying a firearm. Banerjee shared a video on X showing a man holding what appeared to be a gun.
"Last night at Kolkata Airport, shortly after I landed from Delhi, a shocking incident took place. Armed individuals were apprehended, leading to serious questions about security," Banerjee posted.
Police said the man, identified by TMC as Uttam Das, was not arrested. Officers are verifying the presence of firearms. Das's complaint led to the arrests of five TMC workers: Debasis Bandyopadhyay (former councillor), Alok Chakraborty, Subhankar Chatterjee, Tina Mondal, and Rima Biswas.
Police relied on CCTV footage and mobile videos to identify the accused. They were booked under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including attempt to murder and rioting with deadly weapons.
The violence erupted before Banerjee exited the airport. BJP supporters had gathered with eggs to protest against the TMC leader. TMC supporters confronted them, leading to a scuffle with blows, abuses, and objects thrown.
Banerjee left under heavy police escort around 9:45 pm. Das later filed a complaint at the NSCBI Airport police station. He denied carrying a firearm or eggs, claiming he was at the airport to receive BJP dignitaries for International Yoga Day.
