Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee was allegedly manhandled during a visit to Sonarpur in South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal, where he had gone to meet families of victims of post-poll violence. The incident took place on Saturday evening and triggered immediate political tension in the area.
According to party sources, Abhishek Banerjee was interacting with local residents and meeting families when a sudden altercation broke out. A section of the crowd allegedly pushed and jostled him, leading to a brief chaotic situation. Security personnel present at the spot quickly intervened and escorted him away from the crowd to prevent further escalation.
Following the incident, Banerjee reportedly complained of pain in his neck and back. He was later taken to a private hospital in Kolkata for medical examination. Doctors who treated him stated that his injuries were superficial and not serious. He was kept under observation for a short period as a precautionary measure before being moved out of intensive care monitoring.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as tense, with slogans raised and a sudden surge of people around the convoy. While some claimed it was a spontaneous reaction by locals, others suggested that the situation escalated due to miscommunication during the visit. The exact sequence of events is still being verified.
The TMC leadership has raised concerns over the security arrangements provided during the visit. Party leaders alleged that adequate protection was not ensured despite the sensitive nature of the area, where political tensions have remained high following incidents of post-poll violence. They demanded accountability from the administration and called the incident a serious lapse in security.
Hospital authorities, however, clarified that Abhishek Banerjee was stable throughout his treatment and did not suffer any major injuries. Medical staff confirmed that routine scans and examinations showed no signs of severe trauma, and he responded well to treatment.
The incident has added to the already charged political atmosphere in West Bengal. While TMC leaders have accused rival elements of provoking unrest, opposition parties have denied any involvement and questioned the narrative being presented by the ruling party.
Police officials have begun an inquiry into the incident and are examining CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts to determine what exactly led to the scuffle. Security arrangements for political visits in sensitive areas are also expected to be reviewed.
Abhishek Banerjee is currently reported to be recovering well and is expected to resume normal activities after medical advice. The situation remains under observation as both administrative and political responses continue to develop.
