Mamata faces protest, mud smeared on car during visit to deceased TMC worker's family

Kolkata, Aug 9: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee faced a hostile reception on Sunday as she visited the family of a Trinamool Congress (TMC) worker who died in police custody. Protesters smeared mud on her vehicle and hurled stones and shoes at her convoy during the visit, officials said.

The incident occurred in the morning when Banerjee arrived at the residence of the deceased worker in a locality that has seen rising tension since the death. The worker, whose identity has not been officially disclosed, had been detained by police and died while in custody, triggering protests from local residents and political groups.

Protesters target CM's convoy

According to eyewitnesses, a group of agitated locals surrounded the chief minister's car as it slowed down near the worker's home. They shouted slogans demanding justice and accountability. Some threw stones and shoes, while others smeared mud on the vehicle before security personnel intervened and dispersed the crowd.

Banerjee, who was inside the car, appeared unharmed. Her security team quickly escorted the convoy away from the spot. The police have not yet confirmed any injuries or arrests in connection with the incident.

The chief minister had gone to express condolences to the family, a routine gesture for a leader whose party has been under scrutiny over the custodial death. But the visit turned confrontational, underscoring the volatile mood in the area.

Political reactions

Opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was quick to comment. He said the protest faced by Banerjee reflects public anger over the incident and the state government's handling of it. "The people have spoken," Adhikari said in a statement. "This is not an isolated outburst; it is the voice of those who have lost faith in this administration."

TMC leaders, however, dismissed the protest as an orchestrated act by political rivals. A senior party functionary, who did not wish to be named, said the slogans and stone-pelting were pre-planned to defame the chief minister. "She went there to stand with a grieving family," the functionary said. "Instead, she was met with violence, which shows the desperation of our opponents."

Background of the incident

The deceased worker was arrested by police a few days ago on unspecified charges. He died in custody, prompting allegations of police brutality from the TMC and civil rights groups. The state government has ordered an inquiry, but details of the investigation have not been made public.

Local residents, who spoke to reporters, expressed frustration over the lack of information. "We want to know what happened to him," said a neighbour, who requested anonymity. "He was young and healthy. How did he die so suddenly in police lock-up?"

The police have denied any wrongdoing and said a thorough probe is underway. They have also increased security in the area to prevent further clashes.

What to watch

The incident is likely to intensify the political slugfest between the TMC and the BJP in West Bengal, with both sides using the custodial death to score points ahead of upcoming local elections. The inquiry's findings will be crucial in determining whether the public anger subsides or escalates. For now, the state remains on edge, and the chief minister's convoy is expected to travel with heightened security in the coming days.