Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has alleged that Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee suffered significant injuries during an attack in Sonarpur and claimed the situation could have turned fatal had he not been wearing a helmet.

The incident took place on Saturday evening when Abhishek Banerjee visited Sonarpur in South 24 Parganas to meet party workers reportedly affected by post-election violence following the Trinamool Congress’s defeat in the Assembly elections.

Protesters confronted Abhishek during visit

According to reports, a group of local residents confronted Abhishek Banerjee during the visit. Protesters allegedly shouted slogans against him and threw eggs while he moved through the area.

Videos circulating on social media showed Abhishek walking through a large crowd while wearing a cricket helmet and a white shirt. People in the crowd could be seen shouting slogans and attempting to approach him closely.

Mamata claims helmet prevented a tragedy

Reacting to the incident, Mamata Banerjee said she had received information suggesting the consequences could have been far more serious.

‘I have been informed that had a helmet not been placed on his head at the crucial moment, the consequences could have been fatal,’ she said.

She further alleged that Abhishek sustained injuries to his chest and ribs due to stone-pelting and physical assault during the confrontation.

Following the incident, Abhishek Banerjee reportedly complained of pain in his neck, back and waist and was taken to a private hospital along the EM Bypass for treatment.

He was initially admitted to the emergency department but was later shifted to another private medical facility. Mamata Banerjee, who visited the hospital, questioned the quality of treatment being provided and expressed dissatisfaction with the medical response.

‘If there was genuinely no need for hospitalisation, why was he first taken to the ITU, kept under observation for nearly two hours, and advised to undergo multiple medical tests and scans? The doctors who examined him observed multiple injuries and advised urgent medical investigations. According to the medical assessment, he sustained multiple blunt injuries to the face, back, chest, and neck,’ she said.

Allegations of external pressure on hospitals

Mamata Banerjee also alleged that medical institutions faced outside influence regarding Abhishek’s treatment.

‘The most disturbing aspect of today’s developments is the allegation that pressure was exerted on doctors and hospital authorities regarding the treatment of an injured patient,’ she said.

She maintained that all decisions related to admission, discharge and treatment should remain solely within the authority of medical professionals.

Emphasising the need for political restraint, she added, ‘Politics should be fought politically. The answer to political differences cannot be violence, intimidation, weapons, or fear.’

The Trinamool Congress chief said the family had decided to continue Abhishek’s treatment under the supervision of trusted doctors and family physicians.

Questions raised over security measures

Mamata Banerjee also questioned the security arrangements made for the visit, claiming that authorities had advance information about Abhishek’s programme.

‘The police had prior information regarding the visit of Abhishek; despite that, questions remain regarding security arrangements,’ she said.

She further alleged that individuals from outside the area had been brought in to create unrest and violence.

Abhishek blames BJP for attack

Speaking after the incident, Abhishek Banerjee accused the BJP of being behind the attack.

‘It’s all BJP-sponsored. Look what they have done. This is their example of democracy. It hasn’t even been a month, and the police are nowhere to be seen,’ he said.

He also alleged that his political opponents were attempting to eliminate him politically and physically.

Several Trinamool Congress leaders echoed similar claims, alleging that party workers had been targeted by rivals after the election results.

Responding to the allegations, BJP leader Keya Ghosh dismissed the claims and described the incident as a consequence of the Trinamool Congress’s own actions.

‘For the past 15 years, people in West Bengal have witnessed various atrocities in the era of the Trinamool government. Today, they are getting the return gift. Do you know what karma is? You will get what you have done,’ she said.

Meanwhile, police have arrested five individuals in connection with the incident, and further investigation is underway.