‘I just want justice’: Deceased TMC worker’s brother refuses to meet Mamata, alleges custodial assault
Times of India | 10 August 2026
KOLKATA: The brother of deceased Trinamool Congress (TMC) worker Birju Keot on Sunday said he did not want to meet former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and demanded justice for his brother, who he alleged died after being detained by police.
Shambhu Keot was speaking after Banerjee was allegedly attacked while travelling to meet his family in North 24 Parganas.
Speaking about Banerjee’s visit, Shambhu said, " I don't want to talk to her. What would be the point of talking? Right now, I just want justice for my brother."
He alleged that police detained his brother, who worked as a security guard, and took him to the police station early in the morning.
"Regarding the incident, police picked up my brother. He had been working as a security guard. They detained him and brought him to the police station at 7:00 AM. Then, at 10.00 am, they took him for a medical examination and produced him in court," he said.
He added, "They secured a five-day remand, and on the very next morning, my brother passed away."
Shambhu also alleged that his brother had been assaulted while in custody and said the family noticed injuries on his body at the hospital.
"There were many marks of a beating on his body. We saw them ourselves when we went to the hospital. We weren't informed about the reason for his arrest, nothing at all. We received no information," he said.
Calling for action against those responsible, Shambhu said, "Now, we want the local MLA to focus on this case and ensure we get justice. Those responsible, the police and others involved, should be punished."
Meanwhile, Banerjee alleged that her vehicle was attacked with large stones while she was travelling to meet the deceased worker’s family.
She claimed the incident took place in front of police personnel and said the attack could have caused serious injuries or even death.
"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. We could have all been killed," she said.
Banerjee questioned how the incident took place despite the presence of police personnel and alleged that the police were protecting the BJP.
"This happened right in front of the police. I have never seen anything like this. What is going on?" Banerjee said. The police are providing protection to the BJP," the former chief minister of the State alleged.
Banerjee was travelling to the residence of the deceased TMC worker in North 24 Parganas when the alleged attack took place. Lok Sabha MP Kalyan Banerjee and Rajya Sabha MP Dola Sen were also accompanying her.
"Chor bhagao" slogans were heard from the crowd during the incident.