Arrested accused linked to former TMC MLA Lovely Maitra (Img: Internet)
Kolkata: The investigation into the recent assault on Abhishek Banerjee in West Bengal’s Sonarpur area has taken a fresh political turn after several arrested accused were reportedly found to have links with former Trinamool Congress MLA Lovely Maitra.
Police have so far arrested at least five people in connection with the attack that took place during Banerjee’s visit to South 24 Parganas on Saturday.
According to sources, accused individuals including Tapan Maity and Nirmalya Sengupta alias Joy were known to be close to former TMC legislator Lovely Maitra. Kajal Das and Debasish Dutta, who were also arrested in the case, were reportedly associated with her as well.
Investigators are currently examining whether these links point towards deeper factional tensions within the ruling Trinamool Congress. Police said some of the accused were identified through videos recorded during the incident. Further questioning and examination of digital evidence are underway.
The incident occurred when Abhishek Banerjee travelled to Sonarpur to meet families allegedly affected by post-election violence.
During the visit, a group of unidentified people allegedly confronted the TMC leader. Stones, eggs and other objects were reportedly hurled, leading to chaos at the scene.
Videos from the incident showed security personnel escorting Banerjee away amid the commotion. Following the attack, Banerjee claimed there was an attempt to kill him and said the matter would be taken to court.
They Wanted To Kill Me: TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee attacked by mob, eggs & stones hurled
Mamata Banerjee and other senior TMC leaders blamed the Bharatiya Janata Party for the violence. The BJP, however, denied involvement and accused the ruling party of attempting to politicise the incident.
The revelations regarding the accused persons’ reported links with a former TMC MLA have now added another layer to the controversy. Political observers believe the development may intensify discussions around internal divisions and factional rivalry within the party following recent political tensions in the state.
