Mamata Banerjee allegedly targeted in knife attack outside Kolkata home, TMC alleges

All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) has alleged an attempted knife attack on former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee outside her residence in Kolkata, India, and lodged a police complaint over the incident, according to reports by The Indian Express and The Hindu.

The incident reportedly took place around 6pm on Tuesday, October 13, when Banerjee was returning from inaugurating a Durga Puja pandal in her neighbourhood near her Kalighat residence. No injuries to the former chief minister were reported.

According to Kolkata Police, a 38-year-old woman identified as Anusua Saha, a civic volunteer, confronted Banerjee, triggering a heated altercation. Police personnel on duty subsequently detained the woman.

However, police did not confirm that a knife attack had taken place.

AITC MP Dola Sen filed the complaint, alleging that the woman approached Banerjee in a violent manner while carrying a knife, used abusive language and claimed to be the former chief minister’s niece.

The complaint also questioned how a person allegedly carrying a weapon could approach Banerjee’s residence despite her Z-plus security cover. Sen urged police to examine photographs and video footage submitted with the complaint and take appropriate legal action.

The party also suggested that the incident might have been part of a larger conspiracy.

Kolkata Police said a complaint had been lodged by AITC members and that necessary action was being taken in accordance with the law.

AITC leader Saket Gokhale described the incident as “shocking news” and criticised the government led by Suvendu Adhikari, questioning the security arrangements for Banerjee, a three-time chief minister.

The allegations have raised questions about security outside the residence of the prominent opposition leader. However, the circumstances surrounding the confrontation and the allegation of an attempted knife attack remain subject to police investigation.