Halisahar Visit: Mud and bricks hurled at car, alleges Mamata Banerjee

Kolkata: Major chaos erupted as mud and slippers were allegedly hurled at the vehicle of former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee when she visited North 24 Parganas district's Halisahar to meet the family members of a Trinamool worker who allegedly died in police custody. Banerjee slammed the "BJP as a party of lumpens".

Demonstrators had surrounded Banerjee's car, hurled mud and slippers at her vehicle, and shouted slogans calling her a "thief". However, police stopped the protestors. "Bricks were hurled at my vehicle. If the windows were open, my head could have been smashed. I have never witnessed such an attack in my life. I was attacked in the presence of the police. My vehicle was hit. I could have suffered a fatal head injury. We all could have lost our lives," Banerjee told the media.

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"I strongly condemn the custodial death. I have been told that the victim was picked up late at night, taken to a women's hostel and beaten to death. I assure the victim's family that we will provide every possible legal assistance," Banerjee said, adding "Why were no accused named in the FIR? These allegations must be investigated and justice must be delivered."

Police are protecting criminal elements and providing protection to the BJP, Banerjee said. "I believe the home minister (who is also the CM) is responsible for what is happening. Bengal has fallen into the hands of lumpens. We will file a case," she said.

Calling the incident "unfortunate", BJP Bengal President Samik Bhattacharya said, "If mud, slippers and stones were hurled at the former chief minister's vehicle, the BJP does not support it. Police is under Suvendu Adhikari and a probe will be started against this." Local BJP leaders alleged that Banerjee had come there to incite trouble and that ordinary citizens were protesting against it.

AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal tweeted: "This is absolutely shocking and horrifying. Mamata di is a former CM. Just look at the audacity of the hooligans who attacked her car. We stand strongly with you, Mamata di."