Two persons were arrested on Monday night after an egg was allegedly hurled at Trinamool Congress MLA Kunal Ghosh outside the Kalighat residence of former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, triggering a political controversy and raising questions over security in the high-security neighbourhood.
Trinamool Congress MLA Kunal Ghosh was allegedly targeted in an egg-throwing incident outside party supremo Mamata Banerjee’s Kalighat residence on Monday evening, triggering a political controversy and raising questions about security arrangements in one of the city's most heavily guarded zones.
The incident occurred around 6.30 pm shortly after Ghosh, the MLA from Beliaghata, emerged from Banerjee’s residence and stopped to interact with reporters gathered outside.
According to eyewitnesses, a youth standing close to Ghosh suddenly hurled an egg at him while he was speaking to journalists. Although the Trinamool leader attempted to evade the projectile, it struck his head and broke on impact.
The accused was later identified as Chandan, who claimed responsibility for the act and defended his actions while speaking to the media.
“He deserves to be hit with eggs. He has committed many atrocities and done many wrong things,” the youth alleged.
Claiming to be a local resident, he further said, “He has done a lot of wrong. This is what he deserved. Everyone knows what he has done. There is nothing more to add.”
The youth left the area shortly after making the remarks.
Reacting strongly to the episode, Ghosh described the attack as a deliberate and premeditated act.
“I was standing there speaking to the media after coming out of Mamata-di's house. Two boys were within arm’s reach. I was unarmed. One of them threw an egg and ran away. Nobody protested, nobody stopped them, and nobody tried to catch them,” Ghosh said.
The Trinamool leader questioned the conduct of those present at the scene and alleged that no immediate attempt was made to prevent the accused from fleeing.
TMC Leader Rejects Allegations
Responding to the accusations levelled against him by the youth, Ghosh dismissed the claims and challenged the basis of the allegations.
“Who committed atrocities? Did I do it? Did Mamata-di do it? How am I responsible for that?” he asked.
The MLA maintained that the allegations were unfounded and sought to portray the incident as politically motivated.
Security Under Scanner
The incident has also put the spotlight on security arrangements outside the Kalighat residence of Mamata Banerjee, who continues to enjoy Z-category security cover.
“Mamata-di receives Z-category security. This incident happened within 10 metres of her residence. Then where was the security?” Ghosh questioned.
His remarks have sparked fresh debate over the effectiveness of security deployment around high-profile political figures and their residences.
‘This Will Not Deter Me’
Despite the attack, Ghosh struck a defiant note and asserted that the incident would not affect his political activities.
“This will not deter me. One incident like this will not make any difference,” he said.
As of Monday evening, there was no official confirmation on whether a formal police complaint had been lodged or if action had been initiated against the accused. Police were yet to issue a detailed statement on the incident.
