Kolkata, 31 May

TMC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Sunday alleged he was a victim of “state-sponsored terrorism” a day after being attacked with stones and eggs during a visit to Sonarpur in South 24 Parganas district, where police have now arrested four people in connection with the incident.

Banerjee, who was allegedly targeted by a mob on Saturday while visiting the home of a post-poll violence victim, claimed BJP activists tried to kill him.

Police said four people were arrested overnight based on video footage collected from the area, and a suo motu case has been registered as neither Banerjee nor TMC had filed a formal complaint till Sunday. The arrested individuals are likely to be produced before a court in Baruipur.

Meanwhile, Abhishek thanked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, SP Chief Akhilesh Yadav and Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren for their support, and said the attack reflected a broader attempt to silence Opposition voices.

Banerjee said the violence reflected the BJP’s political culture, alleging that opponents are targeted while supporters are rewarded. He also claimed security lapses and withdrawal of protection contributed to the incident, calling it a “conscious abdication of responsibility”.

Scores of people reportedly hurled stones, eggs and abused the MP, who escaped wearing a cricket helmet. He later received medical attention at a private hospital but was discharged after preliminary treatment amid conflicting medical assessments over the severity of his injuries.

TMC Chief Mamata Banerjee questioned security arrangements and hospital handling, alleging political pressure on medical authorities. She said doctors had identified multiple blunt injuries and ordered scans, while also suggesting that Abhishek could have suffered fatal injuries without protective gear.

TMC also alleged the attack was “planned and BJP-sponsored”, sharing photographs and questioning the presence of party functionaries at the site

BJP denied involvement, with West Bengal president Samik Bhattacharya calling the incident unacceptable but attributing it to local anger.

After Abhishek, TMC’s Kalyan Banerjee 'mobbed'

TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee on Sunday alleged he sustained head injuries after being mobbed by BJP workers outside a police station in West Bengal’s Hooghly district.

The incident took place when he visited Chanditala police station to submit a memorandum against the arrest of TMC workers after the Assembly elections. Banerjee alleged he was struck on the head and seen bleeding, claiming, “All this happened in front of the police.”

Tension prevailed as a group waved black flags, shouted “thief”, and protested against the TMC delegation. The MP later staged a dharna, accusing police inaction and alleging “BJP-sponsored attacks”.

He was seen with a bandage on his forehead after the incident. A large police and central forces deployment was made to prevent escalation.

TMC Chief Mamata Banerjee visited his residence and accused the BJP of “murdering democracy”, alleging similar attacks on Abhishek Banerjee a day earlier. BJP denied involvement, saying locals were expressing anger against TMC leaders.