Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata

Kolkata, May 31: Five persons have been arrested in connection with the attack on Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee in the Sonarpur area of South 24 Parganas district in West Bengal.

The incident occurred when Banerjee, the Lok Sabha member from the Diamond Harbour constituency and the party's national general secretary, was visiting families allegedly affected by post-poll violence.

According to reports, a group of agitated locals hurled stones, eggs and shoes at Banerjee while raising slogans against him. Some individuals allegedly attempted to slap and kick the TMC leader during the confrontation. Videos of the incident have since gone viral on social media.

Women were seen shouting slogans and calling Banerjee a "thief" before pelting eggs at him. The MP, who was travelling pillion on a motorcycle to enter the area, was forced to get down after protesters surrounded the vehicle.

Following the attack, Banerjee accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of orchestrating the incident and alleged that police personnel were absent from the area at the time.

Claiming the attack was pre-planned, Banerjee said the incident had been recorded on camera and warned that legal action could follow.

"It's all BJP-sponsored. Look what they have done. This is their example of democracy. It hasn't even been a month, and the police are nowhere to be seen," he told reporters.

Banerjee was later escorted out of the area wearing a police helmet. Visuals showed his shirt torn during the scuffle. Despite the attack, he continued with his programme and met the family of a victim allegedly killed in post-poll violence.

"Look what they have done to me. This was pre-planned. There is no police in the area. They want to kill me. I will not leave this place till the local police send their force and offer protection to the victims' families," he said.

The TMC leader was subsequently admitted to a hospital in Kolkata for medical treatment and was later referred to another private healthcare facility for further evaluation.

Reacting strongly to the incident, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee criticised the BJP and condemned the attack on her nephew and party colleague.

Sharing a video of the incident on social media, Mamata Banerjee wrote, "Rulers became killers — shame on you BJP."

Police are continuing their investigation into the attack and have not ruled out further arrests.