Video purportedly shows Mamata Banerjee pushing policewoman during Kolkata protest

Former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee was at the centre of a political controversy on Saturday after a video purportedly showing her pushing aside an on-duty woman police officer during a confrontation with Kolkata Police went viral on social media. PTI could not independently verify the authenticity of the video.

The incident took place at Padmapukur after the Calcutta High Court declined to allow a rally proposed by the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) over the alleged NEET paper leak. Police moved to disperse supporters who had gathered at the site, leading to tense scenes and clashes between party workers and security personnel.

Police detained senior Trinamool leaders, including Kunal Ghosh and Baishwanar Chatterjee, along with several supporters. Banerjee later reached the spot with senior party leader Derek O'Brien and confronted police officers over the detentions.

The former chief minister accused the administration of suppressing democratic dissent and said her party had gathered to support the students' movement.

The TMCP faction had planned a march from Padmapukur to Moulali through CIT Road. The party claimed police had initially granted permission but later withdrew it following violence during Left student organisations' protests on Friday.

The Calcutta High Court held a special hearing on Saturday but declined to grant permission for the rally.

After spending some time at the protest site, Banerjee left on a scooter and returned to her residence.

The incident comes amid escalating political tensions in West Bengal over the alleged NEET paper leak and protests demanding accountability and reforms in the examination system.

(Inputs from PTI)