'Deadly Attack On Me For The 7th Time': Abhishek Banerjee Accuses BJP After Attack On His Residence

Kolkata: A clash broke out between the two parties in the early hours of Saturday outside the Kalighat residence of Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee in Kolkata. This incident happened during preparations for his birthday. Banerjee alleged that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers attacked her house and beat up her supporters. BJP rejected the allegations and called the incident a drama. Police said the situation is under control and the matter is being investigated. 

When and how did the clash start?

According to police officials, two groups clashed outside Banerjee's residence between 2 am and 3:30 am on Saturday. There, TMC workers were preparing for Banerjee's 39th birthday. According to reports, a heated argument broke out between the two parties after someone was called a “thief” and there were reports of sloganeering, pushing and stone pelting. The police did not clarify which party the people involved in the clash belonged to. 

What allegations did Banerjee make?

Banerjee shared a video on social media alleging that after two days of recce of her house and office, BJP supporters attacked her residence. He said the attackers pushed his supporters to the ground and beat them with bricks and stones and tore birthday banners and posters. Banerjee also claimed that this was the seventh attempt on her life in the last six months. These allegations are of Banerjee; their independent confirmation has not yet emerged in the police investigation. 

What is the information on the injured and the role of the police?

Banerjee told the media that many of her supporters were injured. They claimed that one worker suffered a serious injury near his thumb and another suffered a broken bone under his eye. He alleged that in the presence of the police, stones and bricks were thrown and the policemen were also beaten up. The police officer said a clash broke out between the two sides and some people were detained. However, police did not immediately confirm whether its employees were injured.

How did BJP respond to the allegations?

Describing the incident as a “drama”, BJP leader Dilip Ghosh said a birthday celebration was being held on the footpath and the protest was natural when there was a ruckus at night. BJP also said that its supporters were going to take idols for worship and they were attacked. In this way both sides have accused each other of starting the clash. The sequence of the incident and responsibility can be determined only after police investigation. 

How does the allegation of Reiki relate to this incident?

A day before the clash, Banerjee had claimed that some unknown people were keeping an eye on her house and office for two days. According to him, when interrogated, they identified themselves as policemen. Banerjee had tagged Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Kolkata Police, Union Home Ministry and West Bengal Police, demanding a probe into this alleged surveillance. This allegation has also not been independently confirmed. 

What are the police doing now?

According to police, additional force was deployed in the area after the incident and the situation is under control. A police officer said that several people have been detained and investigation is underway. Banerjee had also staged a protest outside her residence at night. The results of the police investigation are awaited on the identity of those involved in the clash, confirmation of injuries and how the incident started.