The clearest sign of public anger toward the Trinamool Congress after its loss in the West Bengal Assembly elections occurred on May 30. Abhishek Banerjee, the party’s second-in-command, was physically attacked during a visit to Rajpur-Sonarpur Municipality in South 24 Parganas district.
The TMC described the incident as planned and backed by the BJP, sharing videos to support the claim. The party questioned why a BJP functionary appeared to direct events if the attack was spontaneous public anger.
Of the six people arrested so far, including one who surrendered, the most prominent is a local TMC leader. The other five are described as BJP supporters. Police continue to search for additional suspects from videos of the event. All six have been released on bail.
The assault took place about 50 meters from the home of arrested TMC leader Nirmalya Sengupta in Kamrabad. Banerjee was heckled and pelted with eggs, shoes, and stones while heading to the residence of a deceased party worker.
A banner identifies Sengupta’s building as the main office of the TMC’s Jai Hind Bahini youth outfit. The office has remained locked since the May 30 incident. The group was launched in 2014 and received government funding for uniforms in 2023.
Locals identified Sengupta as a key TMC figure in Ward No. 9. Another accused, Tapan Maity, a court clerk, was described by his family as a BJP supporter who went to the scene out of curiosity. A third man, Akash Gayen, was said by relatives to have no clear role. Two others, Kajol Das and Debasish Dutta, claimed they were detained while nearby after the event. Sontu Bose, who surrendered, was portrayed by his family as uninvolved.
A police official confirmed six arrests in connection with the case.
