Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the residence of a Trinamool Congress worker who died after being held in police custody in Halisahar (North 24 Parganas). The visit triggered protests by local residents and allegations of an attack on the vehicle carrying Banerjee. The episode is relevant for UPSC because it centres on custodial death, alleged gaps in police protection, and the ethical and governance expectations of accountability.

What happened during Mamata Banerjee’s visit to the worker’s residence

Mamata Banerjee visited the residence of a Trinamool Congress worker in Halisahar, North 24 Parganas. Local residents raised slogans and protested during the visit. The narrative states that residents attacked the vehicle carrying Mamata Banerjee. Mamata Banerjee alleged that BJP supporters threw bricks at her vehicle and alleged that police failed to provide protection. Mamata Banerjee said she had informed police in advance about the planned visit, but police did not take security measures. She also said her car was attacked with stones, shoes, and mud, and that she could have been seriously harmed. Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee, who accompanied Mamata Banerjee, alleged that the attack was planned to kill Mamata Banerjee. Mamata Banerjee stated that Trinamool Congress would seek court action regarding the worker’s custodial death.

Background: Birju Keot’s arrest and death after police custody

The narrative identifies Birju Keot as the husband of the deceased worker. Birju Keot was arrested earlier on accusations including extortion and corruption. After arrest, Birju Keot was remanded into police custody for five days. The narrative states that after police custody, Birju Keot was taken from the police lock-up to a state-run hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Mamata Banerjee alleged threats against the family even after the custodial death.

What changed now (immediate trigger in the narrative)

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