Video: Mamata Banerjee Slaps Worker Amid Kolkata Rally Chaos
West Bengal's former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was captured on video slapping a Trinamool Congress worker amidst chaotic scenes following a protest rally in Kolkata over the Baruipur rape-murder case, which also saw clashes between TMC and BJP supporters. Banerjee accused police and BJP of disrupting the march.
Key Highlights
- Mamata Banerjee seen slapping TMC worker in viral video.
- Incident occurred after chaotic Trinamool Congress rally in Kolkata.
- Rally protested alleged rape-murder of minor in Baruipur.
- Clashes erupted between TMC and BJP supporters.
- Banerjee accused police and BJP of disrupting the march.
- Approximately 41 TMC workers reportedly injured in clashes.
Former West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee was captured on video purportedly slapping a party worker amidst chaotic scenes that unfolded after a protest rally in Kolkata on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. The incident took place outside Banerjee's residence in Kalighat, where a large crowd had gathered following the rally.
The protest march, organised by the Trinamool Congress' youth and student wings, was held in response to the alleged brutal rape and murder of an 11-year-old (some reports state 12-year-old) girl in Baruipur, South 24 Parganas district. This case had already sparked widespread outrage and political tension in the state, exacerbated by the recent killing of one of the prime accused in an alleged police encounter during a crime scene reconstruction.
According to multiple news reports, the rally, which proceeded from Ballygunge Phari to Hazra Crossing with prior permission from the Calcutta High Court, descended into chaos. Clashes reportedly broke out between TMC supporters and workers allegedly backed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BJP workers allegedly shouted 'chor, chor' (thief, thief) slogans and attempted to obstruct the procession, at times forming human barricades.
Mamata Banerjee, addressing reporters after the rally, strongly condemned the violence and accused the BJP government of fostering lawlessness. She alleged that BJP-backed 'anti-social elements' attacked TMC workers, including women, in the presence of police, who she claimed acted as 'mute spectators' or even 'BJP cadres.' Banerjee asserted that the police failed to enforce the Calcutta High Court's order permitting the rally, allowing rival protests on the same route and even confiscating hand microphones from TMC while permitting BJP supporters to use loud DJ music to disrupt the march. She also claimed her residence was kept under surveillance. Trinamool Congress stated that 41 of its workers, supporters, and leaders were injured in the clashes and admitted to SSKM Hospital.
The video evidence of Banerjee's action quickly went viral on social media. Reports indicate that she was attempting to manage the agitated crowd, clear a path for vehicles to transport injured workers to hospitals, and restore order when she appeared to lose her composure and struck a worker. While BJP leaders like spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari shared the video, claiming Banerjee had 'completely lost her mental balance' and 'hit multiple people', some TMC supporters suggested the 'slap' was accidental or a gesture to move people in the commotion. Nevertheless, the visual evidence confirms a physical contact by the former Chief Minister with a party worker during a highly tense situation. This incident highlights the escalating political tensions and law and order challenges in West Bengal, particularly concerning public protests and inter-party clashes.
Multiple credible news outlets including NDTV, The Indian Express, The Hindu, The Times of India, Rediff.com, and India TV corroborated the core events of the rally, the clashes, and Mamata Banerjee's action.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the context of the rally where the incident occurred?
The Trinamool Congress (TMC) organized the protest rally in Kolkata to demonstrate against the alleged rape and murder of a minor girl in Baruipur.
Who was allegedly slapped by Mamata Banerjee?
Mamata Banerjee was reportedly seen slapping a man, identified by many sources as a Trinamool Congress party worker, who was attempting to manage the crowd or clear a path for her.
What were Mamata Banerjee's allegations regarding the rally?
Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP and the police of disrupting the rally despite it having Calcutta High Court permission. She alleged that BJP-backed elements attacked TMC workers and that police failed to ensure the peaceful conduct of the march.
Were there any injuries reported during the rally?
Yes, the Trinamool Congress stated that approximately 41 of its workers, supporters, and leaders were injured during the clashes with BJP supporters and were admitted to SSKM Hospital.
Has the Trinamool Congress issued an official statement on the slapping incident?
As of the initial reports, the Trinamool Congress had not issued an official statement specifically on the slapping incident, though some party supporters offered explanations suggesting it was accidental or in an attempt to restore order.