TMC flags security concerns after Abhishek Banerjee claims attack at airport

3 min readKolkataUpdated: Jun 20, 2026 04:06 PM IST

The party has described the incident as an attempt to target Banerjee. (File Photo)

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) Saturday claimed that BJP workers had gathered at the Kolkata airport a day earlier with the intention to attack TMC general secretary Abhishek Banerjee upon his return to the city.

The Opposition party raised the pitch after a person was allegedly apprehended with arms at the Kolkata airport. The BJP denied the allegations, stating that its supporters only planned to protest by throwing eggs. The police had escorted Banerjee through an alternative exit in view of the security situation.

Banerjee himself posted on his X handle, “Last night at Kolkata Airport, shortly after I landed from Delhi, a shocking incident took place. Armed individuals were apprehended, leading to serious questions about security and the lengths to which some are willing to go.”

Then, sharing a video clip, he added, “You are unlikely to see this story covered adequately by the mainstream media. Watch the clip and draw your own conclusions.”

Last night at Kolkata Airport, shortly after I landed from Delhi, a shocking incident took place. Armed individuals were apprehended, leading to serious questions about security and the lengths to which some are willing to go.

You are unlikely to see this story covered… pic.twitter.com/rfYTn5E3RL

— Abhishek Banerjee (@abhishekaitc) June 20, 2026

Another TMC MP, Sagarika Ghose, wrote on social media, “SHOCKING! A @BJP4India supporter clutching a GUN at Kolkata airport exactly when @abhishekaitc landed. What the hell is going on @BJP4India? Is this your new ‘politics’? @KolkataPolice @WBPolice ACT now.”

SHOCKING! A @BJP4India supporter clutching a GUN at Kolkata airport exactly when @abhishekaitc landed. What the hell is going on @BJP4India? Is this your new “politics”?@KolkataPolice @WBPolice ACT now. https://t.co/MMxaLFG9aP

— Sagarika Ghose (@sagarikaghose) June 20, 2026

Earlier in the day, TMC MP Derek O’Brien also alleged that a “BJP supporter” was standing at the exit of Kolkata airport with a firearm at the time when he and Abhishek Banerjee were getting out of the airport on Friday night.

“BJP SUPPORTER WITH A GUN. Chilling video. More proof from outside Kolkata airport last night. Attempt to murder?” O’Brien wrote on X.

BJP SUPPORTER WITH A GUN. Chilling video.

More proof from outside Kolkata airport last night. Attempt to murder? https://t.co/29FThGATD2 pic.twitter.com/mLLwuoXux6

— Derek O’Brien | ডেরেক ও’ব্রায়েন (@derekobrienmp) June 20, 2026

According to the Trinamool MP, the BJP supporter’s name is Uttam Das, and he is a resident of Dumdum. The TMC alleged that Das was recently seen outside CM Suvendu Adhikari’s residence holding a bronze cheetah, proving his closeness to the BJP leadership.

Banerjee had travelled to Delhi to meet with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and challenge the merger of rebel TMC MPs with the National Citizens’ Party of India (NCPI).

On Friday, while Abhishek Banerjee was returning from Delhi, BJP supporters had gathered at the airport with eggs to stage a protest against him. When TMC workers also arrived at the scene upon hearing the news, scuffles and brawls broke out between the supporters of the two parties. A large police contingent had to be deployed at the spot to bring the situation under control.

Atri Mitra is a highly accomplished Special Correspondent for The Indian Express, bringing over 20 years of experience to his reporting. His work is characterized by deep regional knowledge and a focus on critical administrative and political developments, establishing strong Expertise and Authority in his domain.

Experience

Current Role: Special Correspondent, The Indian Express.

Decades of Experience: Over two decades of extensive reporting experience, primarily covering administration and political news.

Geographical Focus: Holds significant reporting experience from West Bengal, Bihar, and the North-East, providing a comprehensive understanding of the socio-political landscape in these regions.

Key Coverage: Has dedicated more than ten years to covering administration and political news, with a keen focus on political developments in West Bengal.

Electoral Reporting: Demonstrated a commitment to crucial political moments, having covered the 2009 Lok Sabha election and 2010 assembly elections during his time at Anandabazar Patrika, and the 2019 Bihar Lok Sabha election while working with News18-Bangla.

Career Foundation: Began his career at the leading vernacular daily Anandabazar Patrika, where he worked for more than fifteen years, including a three-year stint as the Bihar correspondent.

Education

Advanced Degree: Holds a Master's degree in Economics from Rabindrabharati University, providing an analytical framework for his political and administrative reporting.

Undergraduate Education: Holds a Bachelor's degree from Calcutta University.

Prestigious Alumni: His educational background includes attending esteemed institutions: he is an alumnus of St. Xavier's, Kolkata and Ramakrishna Mission Asrama, Narendrapur.

Atri Mitra's decades of dedicated reporting, substantial focus on political and administrative beats, and solid academic credentials make him a trusted and authoritative source for news and analysis from Eastern and North-Eastern India. ... Read More

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