Mamata Banerjee Attack Claim Outside Kalighat Home
A woman was detained following a confrontation outside former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s residence in Kolkata’s Kalighat on October 13. Banerjee’s faction of the Trinamool Congress alleged that the woman attempted to attack her while carrying a knife concealed in her clothing.
The incident reportedly occurred around 6 PM as Banerjee was leaving her residence to inaugurate a Durga Puja pandal. According to her party workers, the woman approached Banerjee and allegedly tugged at her saree. The allegation of an attempted knife attack came from the Mamata-led faction; the police statement described a heated altercation.
Woman Detained After Confrontation
Party workers reportedly restrained the woman before she was handed over to police. Local reports said she ran towards Banerjee while addressing her as “pishi,” meaning aunt, and later lay on the road while shouting abuses.
Rajya Sabha MP Dola Sen alleged that the woman had a knife and tried to enter the crowd by claiming to be Banerjee’s niece. Sen also alleged that she was under the influence of drugs. These claims were not confirmed in the police statement included in the report.
Police Confirm Altercation And Complaint
Kolkata Police identified the detained woman as Anusua Saha, 38. According to the police account, she confronted Banerjee as the former Chief Minister was exiting her residence, leading to a heated exchange.
Police personnel on duty subsequently detained the woman, and TMC members lodged a complaint. Police said necessary action had been taken. However, the statement cited in the report did not confirm the alleged recovery of a knife or describe the confrontation as an attempted knife attack.
Security Concerns Raised By Mamata’s Aides
The alleged incident prompted Banerjee’s aides and party leaders to question the security arrangements outside her residence. Their concerns centred on how the woman was able to approach her as she left for a public engagement during Durga Puja celebrations.
The confrontation also came on a day when members of Banerjee’s faction protested in Kolkata’s Rajabazar area, demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Police stopped their proposed march to Park Circus, citing the absence of permission.
No connection between the protest and the confrontation outside Banerjee’s residence was established in the supplied report. The police account and the party’s allegations remain distinct, with official confirmation of the alleged weapon recovery still absent from the statement cited.
