A political controversy has broken out in West Bengal after a video from a protest over the Baruipur rape and murder case appeared to show Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee allegedly striking a party worker while moving through a large crowd. The clip has gone viral on social media, prompting sharp reactions from opposition leaders and a strong rebuttal from the ruling TMC.
Leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused Banerjee of losing her temper and mistreating her own party workers. Several BJP leaders cited the incident as evidence of growing frustration within the TMC leadership, with the viral video widely shared online alongside criticism of Banerjee's conduct during the protest.
The Trinamool Congress, however, rejected the allegations, insisting that Banerjee did not slap anyone. Party leaders said she was merely attempting to manage the crowd amid the large gathering and described the BJP's claims as politically motivated. TMC MP Saugata Roy also defended Banerjee, saying she shares a close bond with party workers and dismissing the opposition's accusations.
The TMC further alleged that several of its workers were attacked during the protest, claiming dozens sustained injuries while women party members were harassed. The party also accused the police of failing to respond effectively to the violence and demanded accountability for the alleged lapses in maintaining law and order during the demonstration.