Mamata claims Abhishek ‘could have died’, hospital says injuries superficial

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday night alleged that her nephew, TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, could have been killed in an attack by alleged BJP supporters in South 24 Parganas, claiming a helmet saved him from serious injury.

“Abhishek could have died if not for his helmet. He has blood clots around his chest,” Mamata told reporters after visiting him at a Kolkata hospital.

Abhishek Banerjee, the Trinamool Congress national general secretary and Diamond Harbour MP, was allegedly assaulted during a visit to Sonarpur, where he had gone to meet the family of a TMC worker reportedly killed in post-poll violence.

Following the incident, Banerjee complained of pain in his neck and back and was taken to a private hospital. While doctors conducted medical evaluations, the hospital said his injuries appeared superficial and did not require admission.

“According to preliminary test reports, the injuries sustained are superficial in nature. He doesn’t require hospitalisation,” a senior hospital official said, adding that further tests were being conducted. Another medical note stated that Banerjee was conscious, oriented and showed no serious signs of injury apart from bruising on the chest.

Mamata Banerjee, however, disputed the assessment and accused BJP workers of carrying out a brutal attack. She alleged that there had been an attempt to injure Abhishek’s eyes and said he would require oxygen support and continued medical care.

The chief minister also sparked a fresh controversy by alleging that political pressure was being exerted on hospitals treating her nephew. After Banerjee was moved from one private hospital to another, Mamata claimed treatment was being obstructed due to pressure from authorities.

“There was pressure from above, and treatment was not being provided properly. That is why we decided to shift him,” she said.

Senior TMC leaders echoed the allegations. TMC MP Derek O’Brien accused BJP supporters of carrying out a “lethal attack,” while party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh alleged that administrative authorities were attempting to influence medical decisions regarding Banerjee’s treatment.

The BJP has not immediately responded to the allegations.

Despite the claims of serious injury, doctors maintained that Banerjee did not require hospitalisation. He was later taken home, where family physicians are expected to oversee his treatment.

Mamata Banerjee alleged that hospital administrators had received calls from police and political figures discouraging them from admitting her nephew, claims that could not be independently verified.