Former TMC MLA Sujoy Hazra Attacked with Eggs While Being Taken After Arrest for Extortion and Forgery

Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal: Former TMC MLA Sujoy Hazra was taken into custody on Sunday on charges of extortion and forgery, police said.

Hazra, who was arrested from the district, was being transported in a police vehicle when angry locals gathered and pelted eggs at the van, eyewitnesses reported. The protest caused a brief commotion but did not result in any major damage or injuries, according to officials.

The arrest stems from complaints alleging that the former legislator was involved in extorting money and forging documents. Police have initiated a formal investigation into the matter.

Additionally, last Sunday, TMC General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee and MP Kalyan Banerjee were allegedly attacked.

Abhishek Banerjee was allegedly attacked with bricks, stones, and eggs while visiting families affected by post-poll violence in Sonarpur, South 24 Parganas.

He sustained injuries to his eye and claimed the assault was "BJP-sponsored" with an apparent attempt on his life. Banerjee also alleged that the police failed to provide adequate protection.

The five individuals were arrested in connection with the attack and were produced before the Baruipur court later that day. The accused individuals had been identified as Akash Gayen, Kajal Das, Debashish Dutta, Nirmalya Sengupta and Tapan Maiti.

TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee said that the attack on him was "political violence and state-sponsored terrorism" by the BJP.

Meanwhile, MP Kalyan Banerjee had alleged that he was attacked by BJP workers near Chanditala Police Station in Hooghly district, while on his way to submit a deputation regarding post-poll violence.

Kalyan Banerjee termed it an "attempt to murder."

Meanwhile, the TMC is witnessing internal turmoil following the rebellion of 58 MLAs supporting expelled leader Ritabrata Banerjee. Reports suggest up to 20 Lok Sabha MPs may also break away from the party.

In response, TMC has announced a leadership shuffle, with Derek O'Brien and Dola Sen appointed as Joint Secretaries at the national level and Chandrima Bhattacharya taking over state leadership responsibilities from the unwell Subrata Bakshi.