- Mamata Banerjee's convoy was attacked with mud and slippers during her visit to the family of deceased worker Keot in Halisahar.
- Banerjee stated she has lost faith in the local police and holds the Home Minister and police leadership responsible, calling the incident a case of custodial death and demanding accountability.
- Keot's family alleged severe physical torture and assault, claiming visible injury marks and bleeding on his ears; the police have ordered an investigation into the allegations.
- Senior TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee demanded the immediate resignation of the Barrackpore Commissioner of Police Amit Kumar Singh and the Deputy Inspector, questioning why Keot was detained late at night despite not being named in the initial FIR.
- TMC leaders Abhishek Banerjee and Dola Sen expressed concerns about the law-and-order situation and announced protests, demanding an independent judicial probe.
Mamata Banerjee faced a hostile crowd during her visit to the family of Briju Keot, a Trinamool Congress worker who allegedly died in police custody. Protesters hurled mud and slippers at her convoy, prompting Banerjee to accuse the police of complicity in a “well-planned conspiracy.”
Banerjee described the attack as unprecedented, stating, “If the windows had not been closed, my head could have been smashed. I have never witnessed such an attack in my life.” She expressed her loss of faith in local law enforcement, holding them accountable for the incident and labeling Keot's death a “custodial death.”2
Keot, who was arrested on charges including extortion, died in police custody after allegedly falling ill. His family claims he suffered severe physical torture, with visible injuries noted. The police have initiated an investigation into these allegations.34
Senior TMC leaders, including Kalyan Banerjee, have demanded the resignation of police officials involved, questioning the circumstances of Keot's detention. Abhishek Banerjee, TMC's national general secretary, highlighted concerns over the state's law-and-order situation, while the party plans to seek an independent judicial probe into the matter.56
“Banerjee said bricks were hurled at her vehicle and that police remained silent spectators, while Keot's family alleged torture with visible injury marks. TMC leaders demand the Barrackpore police commissioner's resignation and an independent judicial probe.”
The Indian Express
