TMC Leader Abhishek Banerjee Claims Residence Attacked by 'BJP Goons'

Abhishek Banerjee Alleges Midnight Attack on Kolkata Residence

Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday, November 7, alleged that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers attacked his residence in Kolkata's Kalighat area during the early hours of the morning.

In a post on social media platform X, Banerjee claimed that the incident took place at around 2 am, shortly after he released a video alleging that unidentified individuals had been conducting surveillance of his residence and office.

Accusing BJP workers of carrying out the attack in the presence of Kolkata Police personnel, Banerjee said he would share video footage of the incident.

TMC Leader Raises Questions Over Alleged Surveillance

The allegations came a day after Banerjee raised concerns about unidentified individuals allegedly keeping watch on his residence and office for two consecutive days.

According to the TMC leader, the individuals were confronted and claimed to be police personnel. He questioned why the premises of an elected Member of Parliament were allegedly being monitored and demanded clarification about who had authorised the surveillance.

Banerjee also appealed to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, Kolkata Police, West Bengal Police and the Union Home Ministry to initiate an immediate and comprehensive investigation.

He described the alleged surveillance as a suspected conspiracy and sought the identification of those involved and the purpose behind their activities.

Clashes Reported Near Kalighat Residence

Reports indicated that a confrontation broke out between TMC and BJP supporters outside Banerjee's Kalighat residence during the early hours of Saturday. The incident reportedly occurred amid preparations for birthday celebrations.

Banerjee alleged that BJP supporters threw stones and bricks at his residence and assaulted TMC workers. He also claimed that some party workers sustained serious injuries and required medical treatment.

Videos shared by the TMC leader reportedly showed individuals damaging banners and striking the property's gates. Police personnel were also seen intervening in footage circulated on social media.

The police response and the precise sequence of events remain important aspects of the ongoing investigation.

BJP Rejects Allegations

BJP leader and West Bengal minister Dilip Ghosh dismissed Banerjee's allegations, describing them as an attempt to mislead the public.

Ghosh questioned the claims surrounding the alleged attack and suggested that the incident had been exaggerated for political reasons.

The BJP's response added to the political confrontation, with both parties presenting sharply different accounts of the incident.

Mamata Banerjee Condemns Incident

TMC chief Mamata Banerjee also criticised the alleged attack and accused the BJP of creating disturbances in the Kalighat area.

She questioned the circumstances surrounding the late-night incident and raised concerns about the disruption of traditional Kali Puja celebrations in the locality ahead of Kali Puja and Diwali.

Her remarks further intensified the political exchange between the two parties.

Police Presence and Further Investigation

Kolkata Police personnel reached the area following reports of disturbances. According to media reports, several people were detained after the overnight clashes, while additional security arrangements were made around the residence.

Police have also been reported to be enforcing restrictions on gatherings in the surrounding area under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

The identities and political affiliations of everyone involved, along with the allegations of surveillance and the exact circumstances of the confrontation, require verification through the police investigation.

Political Tensions Rise in West Bengal

The incident has triggered a fresh political dispute between the ruling TMC and the BJP in West Bengal. Abhishek Banerjee has accused BJP workers of targeting his residence, while BJP leaders have rejected his allegations.

The episode has also raised questions about security arrangements, political clashes and the role of law enforcement during politically sensitive events.

Further developments are expected as the police examine the incident and the parties continue to exchange allegations.

Editorial Note: The alleged attack and surveillance are based on statements made by Abhishek Banerjee. The BJP has disputed his claims. The reported clashes, injuries, detentions and police action should be treated as media-reported developments pending confirmation through official police statements and investigation findings.