Kolkata: Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has landed in fresh controversy after an alleged audio clip surfaced in which she was purportedly heard reprimanding the CEO of Kolkata’s Belle Vue Hospital following the treatment and discharge of her nephew, Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee.
The clip, shared by a state BJP leader, allegedly captures Mamata Banerjee admonishing Pradeep Tandon, CEO of Belle Vue Hospital, over the hospital’s decision not to admit Abhishek Banerjee despite his visit following an alleged attack by a crowd in South 24 Parganas.
In the purported audio, Banerjee can allegedly be heard saying, “You have done the wrong thing. You should be ashamed. Everybody will remember your arrogance,” while also suggesting that the hospital administration had acted under political pressure.
State BJP spokesperson Debjit Sarkar shared the clip on social media, accusing Mamata Banerjee of attempting to pressure hospital authorities to admit her nephew despite medical reports indicating no major injuries.
He also questioned whether the move was linked to an attempt to evade a CID summons issued to Abhishek Banerjee.
The controversy follows an incident in Sonarpur, South 24 Parganas, where Abhishek Banerjee reportedly came under attack while visiting party workers allegedly affected by post-poll violence.
According to reports, he was heckled by a crowd, pelted with eggs, and confronted with slogans of “chor, chor.” The situation escalated to the point where he was reportedly given a cricket helmet for protection before being escorted to safety.
Abhishek Banerjee described the attack as “BJP-sponsored,” an allegation strongly denied by the BJP.
After the incident, he was taken to Belle Vue Hospital for medical examination. However, the hospital discharged him after doctors reportedly found no serious injuries.
A statement issued by the hospital said there were no significant physical signs of injury apart from minor bruising on the chest, adding that the patient was conscious, stable, and fully oriented.
Mamata Banerjee later alleged that hospital authorities had faced pressure from the BJP and police officials not to admit her nephew, claiming that the situation could have turned fatal had he not been wearing protective headgear.
The incident has intensified political tensions in West Bengal, with both the Trinamool Congress and BJP exchanging accusations over political intimidation and misuse of institutional influence.
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