A political visit by Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee to Sonarpur in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district turned chaotic on Saturday after he was allegedly heckled, physically assaulted, and pelted with eggs, stones, shoes, and mud by protesters. The incident occurred during Banerjee's first major public appearance since the Trinamool Congress suffered a setback in the recent state elections. The Diamond Harbour MP had travelled to meet the family of a party worker who was reportedly killed in post-poll violence.

Earlier in the day, Banerjee visited the family of another alleged victim of post-poll violence in Kolkata's Beleghata area. Around the same time, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrived at his residence to serve a notice in connection with an investigation into an alleged West Bengal Assembly signature scandal. The notice was later handed to Banerjee in person, directing him to appear before investigators on Monday. Addressing reporters shortly afterwards, he stated that legal processes would be followed and rejected suggestions that the notice would intimidate him.

As Banerjee proceeded toward Sonarpur, protesters gathered at multiple locations carrying black flags and raising slogans against him. Groups of women were also seen participating in the demonstrations, with some throwing eggs at his convoy. Due to the narrow roads leading to the residence he intended to visit, Banerjee left his vehicle and continued the journey on a motorcycle before eventually proceeding on foot. The protests intensified as demonstrators allegedly followed and confronted him along the route.

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According to accounts from the scene, the situation escalated when Banerjee was surrounded by protesters who allegedly hurled eggs, stones, and pieces of brick while shouting slogans. A cricket helmet was handed to him by party workers for protection, but he was still subjected to physical jostling and verbal abuse. Despite the confrontation, Banerjee continued toward the residence of the deceased party worker. Protesters disputed the circumstances surrounding the worker's death and accused the Trinamool Congress of politicizing the incident.

After reaching the residence, a visibly shaken Banerjee alleged that there had been a conspiracy to attack and potentially kill him. He claimed that the assault was carried out by outsiders brought into the area and maintained that local residents were not responsible. He further alleged that he had informed authorities in advance about his visit but received inadequate security support. Banerjee also announced plans to pursue legal action over the incident and questioned the state's law-and-order situation.

Following the visit, Banerjee returned to Kolkata, where he underwent medical examination after reporting injuries. Medical assessments reportedly found bruising but no serious injuries requiring hospital admission. West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee criticized private hospitals for not admitting her nephew and accused political forces of influencing medical decisions. The incident comes amid a series of protests targeting Trinamool leaders in different parts of the state, reflecting the heightened political tensions that have followed the recent election results.

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