Suvendu's convoy attacked in Cooch Behar

According to Cooch Behar district TMC president, the party had staged protests at 20 locations across the district against Adhikari's visit

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

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.