Mamata Banerjee’s Convoy Faces Protest In Bengal Over TMC Worker’s Custodial Death

West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee’s convoy faced protests in Halishahar on Saturday as she travelled to meet the family of party worker Birju Keot, whose death after being taken into police custody has triggered a political controversy.

According to the report, protesters surrounded Banerjee’s vehicle and allegedly smeared mud on the cars and threw water bottles and footwear at the convoy. Demonstrators also raised slogans against the TMC chief during the protest.

The clash occurred when Banerjee was heading to meet the family of Keot in Barrackpore part of the North 24 Parganas. Police officers stepped in when the protesters blocked the convoy, and assisted security forces with escorting it away from the area.

Mamata also alleges stones were thrown at car.

Banerjee alleged that stones were also thrown at her vehicle in front of police personnel. She claimed the attack was serious and alleged that the police failed to intervene effectively.

“Large stones were hurled at my car by anti-social elements,right in front of the police. The attack on the vehicle was so severe that if the windows had been open, my head would have been split open,” she said.

The TMC chief further accused the police of protecting BJP supporters.

The BJP, however, denied involvement in the incident. West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya condemned the attack and said the party did not support stone-pelting, throwing mud or footwear at political opponents.

BJP leader and West Bengal minister Agnimitra Paul also condemned the incident, saying such behaviour was unacceptable and should not be carried out in the party’s name. She said those responsible should face action.

The protest follows the death of TMC worker Birju Keot, who fell ill after being arrested and taken into police custody on allegations related to corruption and extortion.

Keot was shifted to a hospital after his health deteriorated, where he was declared dead. Police have maintained that he suffered a heart attack.

However, Keot’s wife has alleged that he was subjected to physical assault and custodial torture. The allegations have further worsened political tension in West Bengal and the demand is for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Further, TMC has questioned the alleged custodial abuse, whereas BJP has demanded a clear probe into the case.