Abhishek targets Suvendu over cop assault outside his house, asks why accused is free

Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee questioned Kolkata Police's failure to arrest a man accused of slapping an officer during the clash outside his residence, alleging political patronage. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari vowed action against everyone identified in footage attacking or threatening police personnel.Abhishek Banerjee questions police silence over assault on cop, targets Suvendu AdhikariNew Delhi,Nov 10, 2026 22:56 ISTPosting a video of the clash outside his residence during Diwali in the early hours of Saturday, Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee on Monday questioned why Kolkata Police had failed to arrest a man he identified as Ratikanta Behuria, alleging that he was close to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and had slapped a police officer in plain clothes.In a post on X, Banerjee questioned whether political connections were shielding the accused and asked why he was still roaming free despite allegedly assaulting a police officer."Guess why Kolkata Police is still unable to arrest the goon accused of slapping one of its own officers in plain clothes? His name is Ratikanta Behuria. Who is protecting him? What makes him so untouchable? Why is he still roaming free?" Banerjee wrote.He also took a swipe at the BJP government's much-publicised encounter model, questioning why it was not being applied in this case. "And where is the much publicised 'encounter model' now? Wasn't it supposed to apply when a police officer is physically assaulted @SuvenduWB? Or do the rules suddenly change depending on political connections?" he asked.Questioning the police's handling of the case, the TMC MP said: "Is the law taking its course, or is political patronage shielding the accused? Kolkata Police owes the people an explanation." He also criticised Kolkata Police Commissioner, writing, "Shame on @CPKolkata for this deafening silence!"The allegations come amid a political confrontation over the late-night clash outside Banerjee's residence in Kalighat. The confrontation occurred after TMC supporters assembled outside his home to celebrate his birthday and clashed with BJP supporters.ADHIKARI VOWS ACTION AGAINST THOSE ATTACKING COPSEarlier on Monday, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said cases had been filed under relevant provisions of law against everyone identified in video footage as having attacked or threatened police personnel during the clash.Adhikari said the police would submit charge sheets to ensure that the accused faced trial while in custody. He added that no one involved in the violence would be spared.The chief minister, who also holds the home portfolio, said police officers had been injured and prevented from performing their official duties. He directed the police to arrest everyone seen in the footage attempting to slap officers, raising their fists at them or issuing threats.Four FIRs have been lodged at Kalighat police station, including two cases registered suo motu over attacks on police personnel. Abhishek Banerjee has been named in one of the FIRs, while two people were arrested on Sunday for allegedly slapping an on-duty police officer during the confrontation, officials said.Adhikari said those arrested were not residents of Harish Chatterjee Street, where former chief minister Mamata Banerjee lives. He said some of them were from Iqbalpore and questioned their presence in the locality at 2 am.He also said political figures identified in the video recordings, along with their leaders, would face action after an investigation.Following the clash, police imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita in the area for two months.Abhishek Banerjee had described the incident as the seventh attempt on his life in six months and blamed BJP supporters for the attack. Mamata Banerjee also alleged hooliganism and questioned the local police's handling of the situation. The BJP rejected the allegations.- Ends