TMC alleges security lapse after woman approaches Mamata Banerjee in Kalighat; police probe
The Trinamool Congress says a woman, allegedly carrying a knife, tried to reach Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata; police have not confirmed the knife.
Images are not validated/verified
A major lapse in the security of Mamata Banerjee, former West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress chief, has been alleged. The incident took place on Tuesday in the Kalighat area of Kolkata. The Trinamool Congress alleges that a woman tried to approach Banerjee aggressively as she was on her way to inaugurate a Durga Puja pandal. Party leaders claim the woman was holding a knife. Banerjee was not hurt in the incident.
According to the information available, at around 6 pm on Tuesday Banerjee was going from near her home in Kalighat to inaugurate the Durga Puja pandal of Milan Sangha. A woman suddenly came close to her security cordon. The Trinamool's complaint claims the woman addressed Banerjee as "Pishi", meaning paternal aunt, and tried to go up to her.
Trinamool Congress MP Dola Sen has filed a complaint at Kalighat police station. According to the complaint, the woman was allegedly drunk and was trying to reach Banerjee while abusing her. The complaint also claims it was later found that she had a knife. Trinamool workers caught the woman and handed her over to police.
However, police have not yet confirmed the claim that the woman had a knife. Police say that as Banerjee was coming out of her house, the woman reached her and the two had an argument. Police then took the woman into custody. Videos of the incident and CCTV footage are being examined.
Banerjee has Z-plus security cover. Despite this, the fact that a woman reached her security cordon has raised serious questions about the security arrangements. The Trinamool Congress has demanded a thorough investigation. Party leaders have also asked for a check on whether this is part of a larger conspiracy.
Meanwhile, police are questioning the woman in custody. The investigation is looking at the real reason for her behaviour, how she reached Banerjee, and whether she actually had a knife. Photographs and videos of the incident have also been handed to police. A clear picture of the alleged attempted attack will emerge only after the investigation is complete.
