Without helmet, Abhishek would've died on the spot: Mamata Banerjee on assault

Mamata Banerjee alleged that BJP leaders and a senior police officer pressured hospitals to discharge Abhishek Banerjee despite his serious condition after the Sonarpur attack, claiming he developed blood clots and required intensive medical care.

In Short

• Abhishek Banerjee attacked in Sonarpur with stones and eggs, suffered injuries
• Mamata condemned attack as 'murder of democracy', criticised police response
• TMC to protest, Rahul Gandhi, others expressed concern and offered support

Mamata Banerjee on Saturday alleged that BJP leaders and a senior police officer pressured a hospital to discharge Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee despite his medical condition remaining serious after the attack in Sonarpur. Police have arrested five people in connection with the alleged attack. Further investigation into the incident is underway.

Addressing a press conference, the former West Bengal Chief Minister expressed anguish over Abhishek Banerjee's condition and claimed that he had developed blood clots in his body following the attack. She said he was admitted to the Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU) and underwent several medical tests, including a 3D CT scan, ultrasonography (USG) and thoracic examinations.

TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee was attacked during his visit to Sonarpur in West Bengal on Saturday, where he had gone to meet the families of post-poll violence victims.

Eggs and stones were thrown at Banerjee during the visit, while BJP workers allegedly raised "chor chor" slogans against him. Security personnel escorted the TMC leader wearing a helmet amid the attack.

HOSPITALS GOT THREAT CALLS FROM BJP LEADERS: MAMATA

Mamata Banerjee alleged that doctors and the hospital were receiving threat calls from BJP leaders and the Deputy Commissioner of Police (South). She questioned why Abhishek Banerjee was admitted to the ITU if his condition was not serious and why he was subsequently discharged under pressure. She said, "If anything happens to him, these hospitals will be responsible."

According to Mamata Banerjee, Apollo Hospital had examined Abhishek Banerjee and advised that he could take rest at home. However, she said she was distressed by the situation and later took him to Bellevue Hospital for further treatment.

The TMC supremo said Abhishek Banerjee had now been sent home and would continue treatment under the supervision of the family's doctor. She added that his residence would effectively function as a hospital, with oxygen cylinders and other medical equipment being installed to support his recovery.

Mamata Banerjee maintained that there were blood clots in Abhishek Banerjee's body and warned that if anything happened to him, the hospitals involved would be held responsible. She further claimed, "This is a serious case of breach of security. Had there been no helmet, Abhishek (Banerjee) would have died on the spot."

Mamata Banerjee also revealed that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had called to express concern and offer assistance. "Rahul Gandhi called me and told me if anything is needed, I can tell him, and he can take Abhishek Banerjee to Hyderabad or anywhere else for the treatment."

She added that Kapil Sibal and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav had also expressed concern over his condition.

'MURDER OF DEMOCRACY'

Calling the incident a breach of security and a "murder of democracy", Mamata Banerjee alleged that the police had been informed in advance about Abhishek Banerjee's visit to Sonarpur. She claimed that the people who gathered at the location were outsiders and accused BJP leaders of threatening doctors, hospitals and various communities.

Banerjee also criticised the state's investigative agencies, saying the CID had acted in a cowardly manner. She asserted that the government had not changed its position voluntarily but had been forced into the current situation.

Mamata Banerjee said BJP leaders in Delhi were "not as bad" as some BJP leaders in West Bengal. She announced that Trinamool Congress workers would begin protests from Sunday and confirmed that she would lead a protest at Rani Rashmoni Road on Monday as scheduled.

BJP WANTED TO KILL ME: ABHISHEK BANERJEE

TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee accused BJP supporters of orchestrating a planned attack and alleged that there had been a serious security failure despite prior communication with authorities.

"I will not move out from here till police and forces ensure security here. They are trying to break the house and they want to kill me," he said from inside the residence he had come to visit.

Claiming that police had been informed well in advance of the programme, Banerjee said, "We had mailed police and intimated them about our visit. We called the police but police did not pick up the call."

Later, while addressing reporters, he sharpened his accusations.

"They wanted to kill me. The whole incident has been captured on camera. We will definitely let the High Court know about this. We will also let the Governor know about this. I will definitely move court."

- Ends