Kolkata, May 30: Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee was allegedly attacked by a group of locals in West Bengal’s Sonarpur area on Saturday while meeting families affected by post-poll violence, police said.
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According to reports, unidentified people hurled stones, eggs and shoes at Banerjee while raising slogans against him. Some protesters allegedly called him a “thief” and referred to him as “Bangladeshi.”
Videos circulating on social media showed chaotic scenes as Banerjee was escorted away by security personnel wearing a police helmet, with his shirt visibly torn.
“Look what they have done to me. This was pre-planned. There is no police presence in the area. They want to kill me,” Banerjee alleged while speaking to the family of a deceased victim of post-poll violence.
“I will not leave this place until the local police provide security to the victims’ families,” he added.
Speaking to reporters after the incident, Banerjee said he would approach the High Court over the attack.
“They threw bricks, eggs and stones at me. Please tell me what this is,” he said.
“Despite all this, many local people still came forward to greet us with warmth and respect. Ask those indulging in hooliganism why they are doing this.”
The TMC leader claimed the attack was orchestrated and said his party had video evidence to support the allegation.
“There is a community hall nearby where goons had allegedly gathered since morning to carry out the attack,” he claimed.
“A brick hit my eye, and I am unable to open it properly. I was punched on my back, chest, arms and legs. Had I not been wearing a helmet, my head could have been split open.”
Banerjee, however, asserted that the attack would not weaken his resolve.
“You may injure me physically, but my determination remains strong. This head will never bow down,” he said.
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Another video from the scene showed a large group of women standing with eggs in their hands, allegedly preparing to throw them at the TMC leader.
