Trinamool Congress (TMC) National General Secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee sought medical attention at two private hospitals in Kolkata on Saturday after allegedly being assaulted during a visit to Sonarpur in South 24 Parganas. However, doctors at both facilities reportedly declined to admit him after finding no serious injuries or abnormalities in his health parameters.
Banerjee had travelled to Sonarpur to meet the family of a slain TMC worker when he allegedly faced a violent protest and was physically attacked. Following the incident, he was brought to Apollo Gleneagles Hospital in Kolkata for medical evaluation.
Former Chief Minister and TMC chairperson Mamata Banerjee rushed to the hospital shortly after his arrival. Doctors examined the MP but reportedly found no major injuries requiring hospitalisation and declined to admit him.
Speaking to reporters outside the hospital, Mamata Banerjee alleged that external pressure had influenced the hospital's decision. “Abhishek is not receiving treatment here because of pressure from upper levels. We are shifting him to another location,” she claimed.
Banerjee was subsequently taken to Belle Vue Clinic, where doctors again examined him and found only minor bruises on his chest. After prescribing medication and denying admission, Banerjee remained at the healthcare facility till Saturday night.
Also read: TMC's Abhishek roughed up by mob during Sonarpur visit
Visuals from Apollo Hospital showed Banerjee arriving in a wheelchair and being taken directly inside for examination. His mother, Lata Banerjee, was also present at the hospital.
Several senior TMC leaders gathered at the hospital to inquire about his condition, including Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien, Bidhannagar Mayor Krishna Chakraborty, and former Kolkata Mayor Sovan Chatterjee. Their presence drew attention amid the absence of several other senior party leaders.
Later, addressing the media, Banerjee alleged that the attack was part of a larger conspiracy and accused the state administration of failing to ensure his security. Displaying his broken spectacles, he claimed, “They tried to kill me.”
The TMC leader further alleged that local residents of Sonarpur were not involved in the incident and had, in fact, welcomed him warmly during his visit. According to Banerjee, individuals linked to the BJP had been brought into the area beforehand to orchestrate the attack for political purposes.
The BJP has not immediately responded to the allegations.
The incident has intensified the political confrontation in West Bengal, with the ruling TMC accusing its rivals of orchestrating violence, while questions are likely to be raised over the security arrangements in place during the visit.
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