Kalighat clashes outside Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee’s residence in Kolkata left at least eight people injured and prompted police to impose restrictions on public assembly in the neighbourhood, after rival groups allegedly exchanged stones and bricks during his birthday celebrations.
The violence began in the early hours when alleged BJP supporters gathered near Banerjee’s home on Kalighat Road, where Trinamool workers had assembled around 1.30am, according to a report by The Telegraph. Banerjee later claimed that attackers targeted his residence, damaged banners and flexes, and attempted to harm him. He said video recordings showed men striking the gates of the house with bamboo sticks and throwing objects towards the property.
The two groups allegedly clashed about 30 minutes after the gathering began. At least eight people were injured, including supporters who were reportedly hit by stones. Banerjee said he remained inside the house while waiting for the police to intervene. He later staged a sit-in outside the residence from about 2.30am until 6.30am, demanding action against those involved.
Police reinforcements were brought to the area and officers separated the groups around 3.15am, according to the report. A senior police officer said additional forces had been deployed and that personnel used lathicharge when required to clear Kalighat Road. The officer said some police personnel were also injured and that investigators were reviewing footage from cameras and other recordings.
The police said officers had already been deployed in the area on Friday night because customers were visiting Patuapara, a nearby locality known for making and selling Kali idols, ahead of Kali Puja. The clashes and subsequent barricades affected access to the area. During the afternoon, some people identified as BJP supporters claimed that idol makers were unable to sell their idols because of the restrictions and urged the police to remove the barricades.
Tensions rose again when Trinamool supporters gathered outside Banerjee’s home to cut a birthday cake. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee, who was present at the residence, asked visitors to remain on one side of the road so that vehicles could pass. She criticised the police response and warned that she would approach the Supreme Court if officers crossed what she described as their limits.
The police later enforced prohibitory orders in the neighbourhood, restricting assemblies of more than four people. Officers said the orders would remain in force for two months. The restrictions also drew criticism from Mamata Banerjee and her supporters, who alleged that they could prevent visitors from attending the Kali Puja at her home nearby.
The incident has also brought renewed attention to Abhishek Banerjee’s security arrangements. The report said his security cover is no longer at the earlier Z-plus level. Banerjee had approached Calcutta High Court in late September against the state government’s May 10 decision to downgrade his protection. On Friday, the state government moved the Supreme Court against interim protection granted to him by the High Court from coercive action in multiple criminal cases.
Banerjee described the incident as a “conspiracy to kill” and accused the attackers of targeting his office and residence. State BJP spokesperson Debjit Sarkar denied responsibility for the attack and questioned whether permission had been obtained for the birthday gathering on the road. Chief minister Suvendu Adhikari separately warned that people who attacked police officers or damaged police property would face legal action.
Police said their investigation would continue through the examination of video footage, recordings and evidence from the site. The immediate restrictions and additional deployment remain the next steps in managing access and public order around Kalighat Road.
