Clashes erupt outside Abhishek Banerjee's Kolkata residence during birthday celebrations
Eight people were allegedly injured during late-night scuffles between rival groups in Kalighat on Saturday morning.
Eight people were allegedly injured during back-to-back clashes between two groups outside the Kalighat residence of All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee between 2 am and 3:30 am on Saturday, according to the Hindustan Times.
The clashes reportedly occurred between AITC workers celebrating Banerjee's 39th birthday and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporters. Police officers stated that a large contingent was posted outside the residence and several people were detained.
Banerjee alleged that BJP workers carried out a planned attack and a conspiracy to kill him. He claimed that at least eight people were injured, with three suffering serious injuries, and stated that he saw a police officer being slapped by BJP workers.
AITC supporters alleged that BJP workers ransacked cutouts and banners and shouted slogans such as "chor" (thief). BJP supporters countered that they were attacked while travelling to Kalighat to buy idols for Sunday's puja.
In a social media statement, Banerjee claimed this was the seventh attempt on his life in the last six months. He also criticised the police and the judiciary for failing to take action against hooligans.
Bengal panchayat minister Dilip Ghosh said he did not have the details but noted that Banerjee was celebrating his birthday on a pavement. Ghosh suggested that Banerjee's allegations were similar to those made by Mamata Banerjee.