Bengal: Five arrested, two detained for assault on TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee in Sonarpur

Five people have been arrested and two others detained in connection with the assault on Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee in West Bengal’s Sonarpur, The Indian Express quoted the police as saying on Sunday.

A suo motu case was registered after the attack and three specialised teams carried out overnight raids across the area.

The seven persons were identified “based on security camera and news footage”, the Hindustan Times quoted an unidentified police officer as saying.

Five were formally arrested after questioning, while two were detained for further investigation, another police officer told The Indian Express.

The arrested suspects are expected to be produced before a court in Baruipur later on Sunday.

On Saturday, Banerjee was attacked during a visit to Sonarpur, where he had gone to meet the family of a party worker allegedly killed in post-poll violence.

A mob reportedly threw eggs and stones at the leader and shouted slogans of “chor, chor” or “thief, thief”. Videos shared on social media showed the TMC leader – wearing a helmet – being assaulted.

The TMC alleged that Bharatiya Janata Party workers were behind the attack. However, the BJP denied involvement and said the protest reflected public anger, The Indian Express reported.

Banerjee sustained minor injuries and was taken to two private hospitals for examination before being discharged later that night. Doctors said he suffered bruising to his chest but...

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