Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who is currently in North Bengal following the massive floods and landslides that have claimed 32 lives, visited BJP MP Khagen Murmu at a private hospital in Siliguri on Tuesday. Murmu and Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Shankar Ghosh were attacked by a mob in Nagrakata on Monday while inspecting the flood-affected areas.
Although both leaders are admitted to the same hospital, the Chief Minister met only Murmu. After speaking to doctors, Mamata said, “I have met the MP. His condition is stable now. He is a patient of diabetes and doctors are trying to control his sugar-level parameter.”
The Chief Minister’s hospital visit came amid mounting political tension in the state following the violent attack. The BJP state leadership has lashed out at the government for its failure to make any arrests even 24 hours after the incident.
BJP’s state president Shamik Bhattacharya said, “Those involved in this attack — even if they go to hell — the central government will bring them under the law.”
He also questioned the state’s law and order situation and demanded that the case be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). “Even after 24 hours, the accused are still at large. It is clear that this government shelters criminals. This cannot continue. We demand an NIA investigation,” he added.
The incident occurred on Monday morning, when heavy rains and overflowing rivers such as the Teesta had already caused severe flooding and landslides across North Bengal, including Nagrakata. When Murmu and Ghosh reached the area to inspect the situation, they were reportedly surrounded by an angry crowd.
According to eyewitnesses, a group of miscreants attacked them with bamboo sticks, iron rods and stones, vandalising their vehicle. Both leaders sustained injuries, with Murmu bleeding heavily from the head and face.
“It was a planned attempt to kill us,” Ghosh later alleged, adding, “We escaped only because of the driver’s quick thinking.”
The BJP has accused the Trinamool Congress (TMC) of orchestrating the assault in a pre-planned manner, while TMC has dismissed the allegations. North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha said, “The party has nothing to do with this. They have failed as MPs and MLAs, which is why people are angry.”
Meanwhile, as Murmu’s condition worsened, the BJP central leadership in Delhi sought a detailed report from the state unit and discussed the possibility of airlifting him to AIIMS Delhi for further treatment.
Also read: Mamata visits landslide-hit Mirik, interacts with locals
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