Hundreds of Trinamul Congress supporters allegedly attacked the convoy of Leader of Opposition (LoP) Suvendu Adhikari at Khagrabari, the gateway to Cooch Behar town, on Tuesday, damaging his bulletproof car as he was en route to a political programme, permitted by the Jalpaiguri Circuit Bench of the Calcutta High Court.
Despite police presence, TMC activists waved black flags and shouted slogans to block his convoy. According to Cooch Behar district TMC president Abhijit Dey Bhowmik, the party had staged protests at 20 locations across the district against Adhikari’s visit.
When the convoy reached Khagrabari, the crowd turned violent, and the bulletproof car carrying the LoP was allegedly attacked. Security personnel, including the CISF and local police, eventually brought the situation under control, allowing Adhikari and his team to proceed.
Following the attack, an angry Suvendu Adhikari and BJP MLAs from Cooch Behar marched to meet Superintendent of Police Dyutiman Bhattacharya and submitted a formal representation.
Mr Adhikari had earlier announced on 21 July in Siliguri that he, along with BJP MLAs, would stage a protest in Cooch Behar against recent attacks on three BJP legislators in the district. After the SP denied permission for the programme, Adhikari and Kalchini MLA Bishal Lama approached the Calcutta High Court. Justice Sugata Bhattacharya allowed the visit and directed the LoP, along with MLAs Nikhil Ranjan Dey, Baren Barman, and Sushil Barman, to meet the SP.
After meeting the SP, Adhikari told reporters, “Around 1,500 TMC supporters, including Bangladeshis and Rohingyas, led by minister Udayan Guha, attacked my car and attempted to kill me. I was saved only because I was travelling in a bulletproof car provided by former Union minister Nisith Pramanik. Otherwise, I would have died.”
He further alleged that SP Dyutiman Bhattacharya was “indirectly involved” in the conspiracy and said both Guha and Bhattacharya would be held accountable in the High Court. “The attack took place in front of the police, who remained mute spectators,” Adhikari claimed.
He said he had prior intelligence about possible attacks and had alerted the chief secretary, home secretary, director general of police, and the Governor. “I will inform the high court about this incident,” he added.
The SP reportedly informed the BJP delegation that one person involved in damaging the vehicle had been arrested. “Despite prior intimation, there was no proper security arrangement. Had I not boarded Nisith’s car, I would not have survived,” Adhikari reiterated.
Addressing a party programme later, Adhikari vowed, “I will take this to its conclusion. Once I return to Kolkata, I will take on Udayan Guha.”
He also alleged that illegal infiltration had led to a 26 per cent rise in the voter population in Cooch Behar. “Bangladeshi and Rohingya Muslims in the district are involved in anti-national activities. If the Election Commission fails to act, Sanatani Hindu voters will not be able to reach polling booths,” he warned.
To reassure Hindu refugees, Adhikari said, “There is no need to worry. I will be their guarantor. If any technical issue arises regarding their citizenship, I will resign.”
“Sarkar bodol hobe, badla-o hobe (The government will change, and there will be retribution),” he thundered, urging BJP workers to unite.