Mamata Banerjee leaves Calcutta HC amid ‘Chor chor’ slogans; BJP reacts

Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee faced protests and “chor chor” slogans inside the Calcutta High Court premises on Thursday after attending a hearing related to post-poll violence in West Bengal. According to reports, the situation became tense as people surrounded her while she was leaving the court complex following the hearing. Police personnel initially struggled to escort her out of the area amid the commotion. Representatives of the Trinamool Congress reportedly approached the Chief Justice during the situation and stated, “Please see the situation outside. It is impossible to leave like this.” The Chief Justice then appealed to lawyers present in the court premises to remain calm.

Mamata Banerjee had appeared before the Calcutta High Court dressed in traditional lawyer’s attire, including a black coat and white bands, to argue the case. During the hearing, she alleged that incidents of violence were taking place across the state following the Assembly elections. She claimed that newly married couples, elderly people, minorities, and Scheduled Caste communities were being targeted in several areas. Mamata Banerjee also alleged that an 18-year-old newly married woman had been driven out of her home and threatened with rape.

During the proceedings, lawyers representing the petitioners raised allegations regarding demolition drives and bulldozer actions in different parts of the state. Arguments were also raised over demolitions following the Tiljala incident and actions taken at Hog Market after the elections. A plea was made before the court seeking directions that authorities should obtain court permission before carrying out demolitions using bulldozers, even in cases involving allegedly illegal structures. Mamata Banerjee remarked during the hearing, “This is Bengal, not Uttar Pradesh. Bengal must be protected.”

According to reports, the case had been filed by Shirshanya Banerjee, Trinamool candidate from Serampore and son of MP Kalyan Banerjee, alleging attacks, vandalism, and arson targeting Trinamool offices during post-poll unrest. Kalyan Banerjee also appeared in court in connection with the matter. Security arrangements around Mamata Banerjee’s visit to the High Court premises had been tightened significantly, and her presence drew attention from lawyers and members of the public. Amid continuing tension after the hearing, members of the Trinamool Congress legal cell eventually formed a protective ring around her and escorted her into her vehicle.

“TMC workers themselves are attacking their own party workers,” said Shamik Bhattacharya, the West Bengal BJP president, after Mamata Banerjee reached the High Court. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari also reportedly did not give importance to Mamata Banerjee’s complaint in the High Court regarding bulldozer action.