Former West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee encountered a hostile protest on Sunday while visiting the family of Birju Keot, a TMC worker whose custodial death has become a new political flashpoint in the state.
Banerjee’s convoy was intercepted by protesters as she travelled to Keot’s residence in Halisahar. Demonstrators shouted slogans such as “chor” (thief) and “dakait rani” (queen of thieves), and reportedly hurled mud, footwear, water bottles, and stones at her vehicle. Security personnel formed a cordon to shield Banerjee as her convoy moved through the crowd.
Speaking to reporters after the incident, Banerjee alleged that large stones and bricks were thrown at her car in full view of police officers. “My car has been attacked with stones, shoes and mud. This is nothing but a conspiracy. I had informed the police that I would be coming, but despite that, no security measures were taken,” she said. Banerjee claimed the attack could have caused serious injury had the vehicle’s windows been open.
She accused the BJP‑led state government of using “goons” to target her and alleged that the police were acting at the behest of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. “The police are protecting the lumpens. Bengal has gone into the hands of lumpens,” Banerjee said, adding that her party would pursue the matter legally.
The BJP rejected her allegations, stating that Banerjee’s visit was intended to provoke tensions. Local protesters opposing her presence said they feared her arrival could aggravate an already sensitive situation.
At the centre of the confrontation is the death of Birju Keot, husband of former Kanchrapara municipal councillor Jeni Sharma Keot. He was arrested by Halisahar police on charges including extortion and remanded to custody by a court. His death was reported on Saturday. His wife alleged that he was beaten inside the lock‑up, leading to his death. Police have not yet issued a formal response to the allegation.
Banerjee’s visit was politically symbolic, underscoring her role as opposition leader after losing power in the 2026 Assembly election. Adhikari, who defeated her in Bhabanipur, became chief minister when the BJP formed the government in May. The confrontation adds to a series of public protests faced by Banerjee and senior TMC leaders in recent months. In June, she was met with “chor‑chor” slogans outside the Calcutta High Court, while her nephew Abhishek Banerjee’s convoy was pelted with eggs in Sonarpur.
TMC spokesperson Krishanu Mitra condemned the Halisahar incident, calling the attack “extremely ugly and condemnable.” Lok Sabha MP Kalyan Banerjee and Rajya Sabha MP Dola Sen, who accompanied Mamata Banerjee, also criticised the state administration. Kalyan Banerjee alleged that Adhikari was “running the state through the police” and using mafia elements for political purposes.
For the BJP, the protests highlight what it describes as public anger against the former ruling establishment. For the TMC, the incident raises questions about law and order and the government’s willingness to protect political opponents.
The convergence of a custodial death, allegations of police misconduct, and an attack on a former chief minister’s convoy has placed governance and accountability at the centre of Bengal’s latest political confrontation. 
