Eggs hurled at Abhishek Banerjee in Sonarpur, 'chor-chor' slogans raised

Trinamool Congress (TMC) General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee was hospitalized on Saturday following a violent assault during his visit to Sonarpur in West Bengal. Banerjee had traveled to the area to meet the families of victims affected by post-poll violence when he was surrounded by a hostile crowd. According to reports and visual evidence, the Diamond Harbour MP was pelted with eggs, stones, and bricks, while protestors allegedly linked to the BJP raised "chor chor" slogans. Security personnel were forced to escort him out of the area using a helmet to protect him from head injuries as tensions reached a breaking point.

Following the rescue operation by police and central forces, Banerjee was admitted to Apollo Hospital in Kolkata for treatment. Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who visited him at the facility, issued a scathing statement on social media, accusing the BJP of turning "rulers into killers." She emphasized that the attack was life-threatening, stating that without the protective helmet, the MP could have died on the spot. The TMC leadership has characterized the incident as a pre-planned, state-sponsored attempt on Banerjee's life, noting that goons were allegedly stationed in a nearby community hall hours before his arrival.

Banerjee himself detailed the harrowing experience to the media, claiming that his clothes were torn and his spectacles were broken during the melee. He expressed deep frustration over the perceived lack of police presence despite his party having informed authorities of the visit in advance. The MP vowed to take the matter to the High Court and the Governor, asserting that the entire episode was captured on camera. He remained steadfast during the attack, initially refusing to leave the site until additional forces arrived to ensure the safety of the grieving family he had come to support.