NEW DELHI : The investigation into the attack on Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has taken a fresh turn after several of those arrested were found to have links with former Sonarpur TMC MLA Lovely Maitra.
The development has raised questions about whether the incident was an isolated act of violence or whether it points to deeper tensions within the party.
Police have arrested at least five people in connection with the assault on Abhishek Banerjee.
Among those arrested are Tapan Maity and Akash, who were allegedly seen in videos linked to the incident. Police have taken the accused into custody as part of the ongoing investigation.
Sources said that Tapan Maity and Nirmalya Sengupta, also known as Joy, were close to former TMC MLA Lovely Maitra.
Kajal Das and Debasish Dutta were also reportedly associated with the former legislator. All four are now among those arrested in the case.
What we know about Akash Gayan?
Akash Gayen, who was arrested in connection with the incident, is known in the area as a Trinamool Congress worker. His mother acknowledged that he had been associated with the party and claimed that he regularly sat at TMC booths during elections. She said there was no reason for her son to hold any grudge against Abhishek Banerjee.
According to her, Akash returned home as usual after the incident on Friday afternoon and later went to a nearby field to play football. She said police picked him up later that night. His mother also said that the family has not been informed of the exact reason behind his arrest. Akash’s father works as a van-rickshaw driver, while Akash himself was unemployed.
Attack took place during visit to Sonarpur
The incident occurred in Sonarpur in South 24 Parganas, where Abhishek Banerjee had travelled to meet victims of post-election violence.
According to reports, he was confronted and assaulted by a mob during the visit, triggering a major political controversy in the state.
The attack immediately drew reactions from the Trinamool Congress leadership and opposition parties.
Political blame game intensifies
TMC chief and former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee blamed the Bharatiya Janata Party for the attack on her nephew and senior party leader.
The BJP, however, rejected the allegation and denied any involvement in the incident.
The assault has since become a major political flashpoint, with both parties trading accusations over responsibility for the violence.
New questions over TMC internal dynamics
The revelation that several of the accused were reportedly associated with a former TMC MLA until barely a month ago has added a new dimension to the investigation. Political observers are now questioning whether the incident reflects broader factional tensions within the ruling party. The arrests have prompted speculation about whether internal rivalries may be spilling into the public domain.
While investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the assault, the links between the accused and former party figures have become a key focus of discussion.
Following the attack, Mamata Banerjee also alleged that authorities were attempting to prevent Abhishek Banerjee from receiving medical treatment.
