New Delhi/Kolkata: The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has alleged an attempted knife attack on former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, raising questions about her security arrangements. The allegation surfaced after a complaint was reportedly submitted to the Kalighat police station seeking action in connection with the incident. TMC MP Saket Gokhale claimed that a woman carrying a knife reached Banerjee's residence and attempted to attack her. He questioned how such an incident could allegedly occur despite the senior leader having Z+ category security cover.
The allegations have triggered concerns within the TMC, with party leaders demanding action and raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the reported incident.
TMC Questions Security of Z+ Protectee
In a statement shared on social media, Gokhale alleged that the woman was under the influence of drugs and attempted to approach Banerjee with a knife. He described the incident as alarming, pointing out that Banerjee has served three terms as West Bengal Chief Minister. Gokhale also alleged that the incident could have been part of a political conspiracy involving the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). However, this was an allegation made by the TMC leader, and no evidence establishing the BJP's involvement was provided in the account of the incident. The party questioned whether the security arrangements in place for Banerjee were adequate and called for the police to take action.
Complaint Filed at Kalighat Police Station
According to the complaint, TMC leader Dola Sen approached the Kalighat police station and sought action under Section 173 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The complaint placed the incident at around 6 pm on Tuesday and identified the woman as Tannishtha Saha, who was described in the complaint as a civic volunteer. It alleged that she arrived in an aggressive and intoxicated state, used abusive language and attempted to approach Banerjee while carrying a knife.
The complaint further alleged that the woman claimed to be Banerjee’s niece and attempted to harm her on the road.
Police Action and Investigation Awaited
The allegations have put the spotlight on the security of the TMC chief and the circumstances surrounding the reported incident. The complaint seeks police intervention, but the allegations against the woman and the claim of a possible political conspiracy require independent verification. Further details about the police response, the status of any investigation and the circumstances of the alleged attack were not available in the information provided.