Car of TMC MLA Kunal Ghosh Attacked with Stones and Eggs in Hooghly

KOLKATA — The car of Kunal Ghosh, a Member of the Legislative Assembly for the Trinamool Congress (TMC), was attacked with stones and eggs on the morning of 26 September 2026 as it travelled through the Hooghly district. The incident occurred on the route to a TMC rally in Uttarpara, a suburb of Kolkata, according to reports from India Today, NDTV, The Hindu and the New Indian Express.

Details of the Attack

The vehicle was reportedly targeted near the town of Uttarpara in Hooghly district. Witnesses said that a group of individuals hurled eggs and stones at the car, damaging the windows and the rear bumper. No injuries were reported among the occupants, who were seated inside the vehicle at the time of the incident. The attack was captured on local security cameras, which were later released by the police for public viewing.

Political Context

Kunal Ghosh is a senior TMC leader who has served as an MLA since 2011. His constituency, Uttarpara, is a key area for the party’s electoral base. The rally that day was part of a series of public meetings organised by the TMC to mobilise support ahead of the upcoming state elections scheduled for early 2027.

In the aftermath of the attack, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee issued a statement through her party’s spokesperson, alleging that the incident was part of a broader attempt by opposition elements to disrupt TMC’s public meetings. She also claimed that members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had blocked the route to the rally, a claim that has not yet been corroborated by police records.

Police Response and Investigation

Hooghly district police registered a First Information Report (FIR) under Section 351 of the Indian Penal Code for criminal intimidation and Section 337 for damage to property. The police said that they had identified several suspects from the local area and had taken them into custody for questioning. The investigation is ongoing, and the police have not yet released a list of accused names.

Reactions from Political Leaders

In a statement released by the TMC, the party said it would file a complaint against the perpetrators and called for a thorough investigation. The party also urged its supporters to remain calm and to avoid any retaliatory actions.

Opposition parties have largely refrained from commenting on the incident, citing the need for a fair investigation. The BJP’s state unit issued a brief statement saying that it was unaware of any involvement in the attack and that it was committed to maintaining peace during the election campaign.

Broader Implications for Election Campaigns

Political violence has been a recurring issue in West Bengal’s electoral landscape. The incident involving Ghosh’s car adds to a series of reports of vandalism and intimidation against TMC leaders in the past months. The TMC has repeatedly warned that such acts could undermine the democratic process and has called for stricter law enforcement.

As the state moves closer to the 2027 elections, the incident is likely to be a point of reference for both parties in their campaign narratives. The TMC has emphasised the need for a secure environment for its leaders, while the BJP has highlighted the importance of peaceful rallies.