Adhikari’s convoy attacked in Cooch Behar, vehicle damaged
Times of India | 6 August 2025
Jalpaiguri: Bengal leader of opposition Suvendu Adhikari's convoy came under attack on Tuesday in Khagrabari, Cooch Behar, where he was headed to attend a protest meeting backed by a Calcutta High Court order. Despite a strong police cordon, several people armed with sticks vandalised the police pilot vehicle, smashing windscreens, and damaging the rear of Adhikari's bulletproof vehicle.
One person, identified as Ranjit Dey of Pundibari, has been arrested, according to Cooch Behar SP Dyutiman Bhattacharya. "We have initiated a thorough probe," he said.
Adhikari was en route to the Cooch Behar SP's office to lodge a complaint regarding the alleged harassment of BJP MLAs Baren Chandra Barman (Sitalkuchi), Nikhil Ranjan Dey (Cooch Behar South), and Sisir Chandra Barman (Mathabhanga). The incident occurred amid protests at 19 locations, some along Adhikari's route, by TMC supporters opposing NRC notices served to local Rajbanshis. He faced black-flag demonstrations, with slogans like "go back" and "thief" being chanted near Ghoksadanga.
While Adhikari blamed TMC for the attack, the party dismissed the allegation, calling it a "well-scripted drama" by BJP.
"It was a planned attack on my life. If I had not been in a bulletproof vehicle, you would be paying floral tributes to me today," Adhikari told reporters. He accused local TMC functionaries, including North Bengal development minister Udayan Guha, of orchestrating the assault. He also alleged that 90% of the attackers were Rohingya and Bangladeshi Muslims, adding that Cooch Behar's proximity to the Bangladesh border facilitated illegal infiltration.
Guha said TMC's programmes had been scheduled much before Adhikari's route was decided. He added, "Anyone who insults Bengalis will face resistance across Bengal.
"TMC's Cooch Behar district president and former MP Partha Pratim Ray refuted the allegations. "No attack was carried out by TMC workers. BJP staged this to settle internal scores and grab media footage," he said.
BJP launched state wide protests following the incident. Sit-ins were held on Tuesday afternoon at Maniktala and VIP Road, leading to traffic disruptions.