Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee was hospitalised in Kolkata on Saturday after being allegedly attacked during a visit to Sonarpur in South 24 Parganas district. He had gone to meet the family of a party worker reportedly killed in post-poll violence when the incident took place. Following the attack, he complained of pain in his neck and back and was taken to a private hospital for medical examination.
According to hospital officials, Banerjee was initially placed under observation in the Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU), but doctors later clarified that his condition was stable and the injuries were not serious. Medical reports described the injuries as “superficial,” noting that apart from minor bruises, there were no significant signs of internal or severe physical damage. He was conscious, alert, and able to communicate during treatment.
The hospital further stated that while some tests were conducted as a precaution, the findings did not support the need for prolonged hospitalisation. Doctors indicated that the admission was largely for observation rather than critical care. This led to some confusion regarding his status, as he was briefly kept under ITU monitoring before being shifted out.
After the initial treatment, Banerjee was moved between two private hospitals in Kolkata amid reports of concern from TMC leadership. Party sources claimed he was not receiving adequate attention at the first facility, though hospital authorities maintained that he was being treated according to medical protocol.
Political leaders, including West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, visited him at the hospital. She later claimed that he could have been seriously injured if not for protective gear during the incident and raised concerns about the circumstances of the attack.
The incident has triggered a political controversy in West Bengal, with TMC leaders alleging a coordinated attack and raising questions about security arrangements during the visit. Opposition voices, however, have offered differing accounts of the event.
At present, doctors have confirmed that Abhishek Banerjee’s condition is stable and that he does not have any life-threatening injuries. He has since been discharged from intensive observation, and further recovery is expected to take place under medical supervision at home.
