A political row has erupted in West Bengal after the BJP shared a purported audio clip in which former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is allegedly heard scolding a private hospital’s chief executive following the assault on her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee.
The clip, shared by BJP state spokesperson Debjit Sarkar, allegedly features Banerjee criticising Pradeep Tandon, CEO of Belle Vue Hospital in Kolkata, after doctors declined to admit Abhishek Banerjee.
Row over hospital admission
According to the BJP, Banerjee was upset because the hospital discharged her nephew after medical examinations reportedly found no serious injuries requiring admission.
In the purported recording, Banerjee is allegedly heard accusing the hospital management of making a mistake and warning that their actions would be remembered.
NDTV reported that it could not independently verify the authenticity of the audio clip.
Attack on Abhishek Banerjee
The controversy follows an attack on Abhishek Banerjee during a visit to meet party workers affected by post-poll violence in Sonarpur, South 24 Parganas.
During the incident, he was reportedly heckled by a crowd, pelted with eggs and targeted with slogans. Videos from the scene showed him wearing a cricket helmet for protection before being escorted to safety.
The Trinamool Congress leader later described the attack as “BJP-sponsored”, an allegation rejected by the BJP.
Hospital cites minor injuries
After the incident, Abhishek Banerjee was taken to Belle Vue Hospital. The hospital later stated that he had no major injuries apart from bruises and was fully conscious, leading doctors to discharge him.
Mamata Banerjee subsequently alleged that pressure was being exerted on hospitals to avoid admitting her nephew, a claim that has added another layer to the ongoing political dispute.
Police have arrested five people in connection with the attack, and investigations are continuing.