Public Fury Erupts: TMC Leaders Face Egg Attacks in West Bengal

A wave of public anger broke out across West Bengal on Sunday as residents pelted eggs at Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders in multiple incidents linked to corruption and criminal allegations.

In Midnapore, locals threw eggs at a police vehicle carrying TMC leader Sujoy Hazra, accusing him of taking money for housing construction but failing to deliver the promised homes. According to public prosecutor Najim Habib, Hazra had allegedly taken Rs 10 lakh in 2021 from a complainant named Imran and did not return the money or resolve the dispute despite repeated demands.

Fresh arrests also triggered protests. In separate incidents in Kolkata, two TMC councillors were arrested in criminal cases, sparking chaotic scenes and public protests. Councillor Bappaditya Dasgupta in Patuli and Md Jasimuddin in north Kolkata were both met with egg attacks by angry residents as police escorted them.

Dasgupta was arrested on charges including extortion, intimidation, criminal trespass, and attempted arson. He was later produced before the court and remanded to police custody. Locals alleged he had demanded money for allowing construction work and later pressured complainants after partial payment.

In a separate case, Jasimuddin was arrested in connection with a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case. Police said he had allegedly barricaded himself inside his residence for several hours before being taken into custody with the help of a locksmith.

In both Kolkata cases, large groups of residents gathered outside police stations and along escort routes, raising slogans and accusing the leaders of corruption and abuse of power. Egg-pelting incidents were reported as the accused were taken to court under tight security.

Reacting to the developments, Indranil Khan, a minister in the BJP government, said the incidents reflected growing public willingness to speak out against alleged wrongdoing. “These outbursts from people are the fallout of the long-term torture they have been subjected to by these TMC leaders. People are now coming out to register complaints because they trust PM Modi’s slogan of ‘Bhoy out, Bharosa in’,” Khan stated.

“These accused leaders cannot escape the law, which will take its own course. I will only reiterate what our chief minister has appealed to the people of Bengal about not taking the law into their own hands,” Khan added.

The incidents highlight the growing public dissatisfaction with the TMC leadership and the need for transparency and accountability in governance. Local residents have expressed their frustration with the perceived corruption and lack of action on promised projects, leading to these violent protests.

The Trinamool Congress, a major political party in West Bengal, has been in power for several years and has faced numerous allegations of corruption and abuse of power. These recent incidents may further erode public trust in the party and its leaders.

(With inputs from PTI)