Doctors note superficial injuries as Abhishek Banerjee’s hospitalisation sparks political row

Kolkata: Confusion prevailed on Saturday evening over the hospitalisation status of TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, with a private hospital in Kolkata initially allotting him a bed in its Intensive Therapy Unit while stating that his injuries were superficial and did not require admission.

Banerjee was taken to a private hospital after reportedly complaining of pain in his neck, back and waist following an alleged attack during his visit to Sonarpur in South 24 Parganas earlier in the day, according to hospital officials.

A senior official of the medical facility said preliminary reports indicated that the injuries were minor in nature. “He doesn’t require hospitalisation. However, our doctors are assessing him further and additional tests will be conducted,” the official said, adding that a medical bulletin would be issued if necessary.

A purported note from a doctor also suggested that Banerjee was conscious, oriented and showing no serious physical signs of injury apart from bruises on the chest, concluding that he did not require admission.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was present at the hospital during the initial assessment. She later accompanied him when he was shifted to another private hospital in the city, alleging that proper treatment was not being provided.

Speaking to reporters, she claimed that medical care was being hindered due to external pressure. “There was pressure from above, and treatment was not being provided properly. That is why we decided to shift him,” she said.

TMC leaders Derek O’Brien and Kunal Ghosh also alleged interference by police and administration in the medical process, claiming that pressure was being exerted on hospitals regarding Banerjee’s treatment and discharge. They stressed that all medical decisions should be left to doctors without political or administrative influence.

Another TMC leader, Sovan Chatterjee, who was present at the hospital, said Banerjee had developed discomfort after facing public unrest in Sonarpur. He added that the final medical assessment would depend on the ongoing examination by doctors.