Kolkata: The investigation into the alleged attack on Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee in Sonarpur has taken a dramatic turn after the West Bengal Police reportedly found links between some of the arrested accused and former TMC MLA Lovely Maitra. The development has triggered fresh political speculation and raised questions over whether the incident was merely a case of political violence or reflected deeper divisions within the Trinamool Congress.
Abhishek Banerjee was allegedly attacked on May 30 while visiting families said to have been affected by post poll violence in South 24 Parganas district. According to the TMC leader, eggs, stones and other objects were hurled at him during the visit, while a brick allegedly struck near his eye. Banerjee described the incident as a politically motivated attack and accused BJP backed elements of being responsible.
Following the incident, the police launched an investigation and arrested at least five people in connection with the case. However, according to reports, investigators found that several of those arrested were allegedly associated with former Sonarpur South MLA Lovely Maitra, who was earlier a prominent face of the Trinamool Congress in the region. The revelation has added a new dimension to the case and intensified discussions within political circles.
The alleged links have led to speculation about possible factional tensions inside the TMC, particularly in areas where organisational rivalries have surfaced after the Assembly elections. Political observers note that the party has witnessed internal dissatisfaction in some districts following electoral setbacks and leadership reshuffles. However, no official statement has been issued suggesting that the attack was the result of any internal conspiracy.
The attack on Abhishek Banerjee had already sparked a major political controversy in West Bengal. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee strongly condemned the incident and accused the ruling BJP of failing to ensure security. Senior TMC leaders alleged that the assault was part of a broader attempt to intimidate opposition leaders in the state.
The BJP, meanwhile, has denied any involvement and rejected allegations made by the Trinamool Congress. Party leaders have argued that the confrontation reflected local public anger and not any organised political attack.
The controversy comes at a time when political tensions in West Bengal remain extremely high. Just a day after the Sonarpur incident, TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee also alleged that he was attacked in Hooghly while participating in a protest programme, further escalating the political confrontation between the BJP and the TMC.
Investigators are now examining the backgrounds of the arrested individuals and their possible political connections. While the probe is still underway, the emergence of alleged links with a former TMC legislator has shifted attention from a straightforward political violence narrative to questions about internal dynamics within the party.