Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee faced a hostile protest in Halishahar on Saturday while traveling to visit the family of Birju Keot, a Trinamool Congress worker who died in police custody. Demonstrators surrounded her convoy, smearing mud on vehicles and throwing shoes, water bottles, and stones. Banerjee alleged that the attack was severe and accused police of failing to intervene, claiming they provided protection to the BJP.
The incident follows allegations by Keot's family that he was tortured to death in police custody, while authorities maintain he died of a heart attack following his arrest on corruption and extortion charges. The death has triggered a significant political confrontation, with the TMC demanding accountability for alleged custodial abuse and the BJP calling for a transparent investigation into the circumstances.
BJP leaders, including state president Samik Bhattacharya and minister Agnimitra Paul, condemned the attack on the convoy. They denied party involvement in the violence, stating that such acts of manhandling and vandalism are not supported by the BJP and that those responsible should face appropriate action.
