Protesters hurl stones at minister’s car in Monteswar
Times of India | 4 July 2025
12 Monteswar: Minister Siddiqullah Choudhury faced protests during his visit to Monteswar in East Burdwan district on Thursday. Choudhury, whose hand was hurt, described the attack as an "attempt on his life" and demanded strict action against the protesters. His official vehicle was also damaged.
The minister of mass education extension and library services visited Maldanga and Kusumgram to inspect arrangements for the upcoming meetings scheduled for July 8 and 9.
The protesters, allegedly involving a section of Trinamool Congress workers, carried black flags, brooms and sticks. They raised "Go back" slogans and hurled stones at the minister's car.
Trinamool panchayat pradhan Rafiqul Islam Sheikh admitted to leading the protest, describing it as a spontaneous demonstration by locals upset with the minister's alleged corruption and inaction.
Police said the crowd was soon dispersed and the minister was escorted away in a pilot car. An inquiry has been ordered, and raids are ongoing in the area.
Choudhury met district magistrate Ayesha Rani and East Burdwan SP Sayak Das to discuss the situation. However, he did not file a written complaint.
Trinamool's East Burdwan district president Rabindranath Chattopadhyay said the protesters were not Trinamool workers but locals. The party has begun an investigation.
Choudhury said the protesters were hired goons aimed at defaming the party brass. "If Monteswar police wanted to, they could have stopped them. No one would have dared to show black flags," he said.