Mamata Banerjee allegedly slaps TMC worker amid chaos at Kalighat protest rally

Kolkata: Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee allegedly slapped a party worker after tempers flared during a protest rally at Kolkata's Kalighat on Wednesday, with videos of the incident rapidly circulating on social media.

The rally, organised by the Trinamool Congress' student and youth wings to protest the alleged rape and murder of a minor in Baruipur, descended into chaos after clashes reportedly broke out along the route.

In the viral videos, Banerjee is seen trying to clear a path through the crowd when she appears to slap a worker. Other clips also show her striking or patting several party workers on their backs while attempting to restore order.

According to people present at the rally, the Trinamool chief was helping move injured and unwell supporters into vehicles for medical treatment and asking the crowd to make way.

Supporters claimed the slap was accidental and occurred in the middle of the commotion.

The Trinamool Congress alleged that despite securing permission from the Calcutta High Court for the march, BJP supporters entered the procession and disrupted it, triggering slogan-shouting that escalated into physical clashes.

The party also accused the police and central forces of failing to control the situation, claiming several student and youth wing members, including women, were assaulted.

Addressing the media, the ex-CM alleged that the High Court's directions had been violated and said she saw party workers bleeding after reaching the spot.

‘I came after hearing about the violence and found my workers injured. Women had injuries on their heads and faces. I came out to rescue them,’ she said.

Questioning the role of the police, Banerjee asked how another procession was allowed on the same route despite court permission for the Trinamool rally.

She alleged that her party's workers were attacked and that their handheld microphones were snatched away.

She also claimed loud music was played along the rally route from early morning to disrupt the march.

Holding the police administration responsible for the incident, she announced that the Trinamool Congress would approach the Calcutta High Court alleging contempt of court over the handling of the rally.