Abhishek Banerjee attack case: Bengal Police arrest five accused, confirm ‘all of them are Sonarpur locals’
The Statesman | 1 June 2026
Five people were arrested on Sunday in connection with the alleged heckling of Trinamool Congress National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee during his visit to Sonarpur in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district, an incident that has rapidly escalated into a fierce confrontation between the TMC and the BJP.
Police confirmed that all five arrested individuals are local residents and said a separate case has been registered at Sonarpur police station following the disturbance.
The development comes a day after the situation turned volatile on Saturday evening when Banerjee was allegedly targeted with stones, bricks and eggs during his Sonarpur visit. According to police, investigations are underway to determine the sequence of events and identify whether additional individuals were involved in the attack.
The episode unfolded amid heavy political tension in the district and immediately triggered a fresh war of words between the state’s two major political camps.
Following the incident, Abhishek Banerjee accused the BJP of orchestrating the attack and claimed there had been an attempt to kill him. He alleged that despite prior information about his movement, adequate security arrangements were not provided.
Banerjee, who sustained an injury near his eye, said the entire incident had been captured on camera and warned that the matter would be taken before both the Calcutta High Court and the Governor.
He stated that a brick struck him near the eye and claimed the outcome could have been far more serious had he not been wearing protective headgear during the attack.
Former West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC chairperson Mamata Banerjee intensified the political confrontation by accusing authorities of pressuring hospitals against admitting Abhishek Banerjee for treatment after the incident.
Speaking after visiting him at Belle Vue Hospital, Mamata Banerjee alleged that administrative interference was taking place even in medical matters. She also claimed police personnel were creating obstacles regarding treatment and permissions.
The BJP rejected the TMC’s allegations and insisted the incident reflected spontaneous public anger against the Trinamool Congress leadership.
State Minister Agnimitra Paul claimed the reaction in Sonarpur stemmed from years of political resentment and accused the TMC leadership of encouraging violence during its rule. She said the current administration would not tolerate any return to “violent politics”.
The BJP leader also referred to previous incidents in the state, alleging that political workers and women had suffered under the former government’s tenure.