Kolkata, Feb 2 (PTI) – Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Sabitri Mitra had a close call on Saturday night when an unidentified vehicle allegedly attempted to collide with her car twice in quick succession in West Bengal’s Malda district.
The incident took place while Mitra was traveling from her constituency, Manikchak, to her residence. According to police sources, she has since lodged a formal complaint regarding the matter.
Suspicious Repeated Collision Attempts
Mitra recounted that an unidentified car first tried to hit her vehicle in the Chandipur area on the national highway. Moments later, the same vehicle reportedly came dangerously close to her car again near Milky area."At first, I dismissed it as rash driving. But when the same vehicle continued to approach us dangerously, I asked my driver to head straight to the Manikchak police station. I also demanded a police escort to ensure my safe passage home," she told reporters.
Mitra, fearing a possible attack, did not step out of her vehicle, as she noticed several people inside the other car. She suspected that they might try to shoot at her if she confronted them.
Police Launch Probe, Opposition Reacts
A senior police officer confirmed that Mitra's statement has been recorded and an investigation is underway to trace the unidentified vehicle.Meanwhile, BJP leader and Leader of Opposition, Suvendu Adhikari, linked the incident to internal conflicts within the TMC, suggesting that party leaders and workers no longer feel safe.
"This incident reflects the infighting within the TMC. Even their own leaders are under threat. The attack on TMC district vice-president Dulal Sarkar on January 2 is another example," Adhikari alleged.
He further urged Mitra to raise the issue in the upcoming session of the West Bengal Assembly, assuring that the BJP is ready to support her on the floor of the House.
TMC Stands by Mitra, Calls for Police Action
In response, TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh dismissed any political angle but emphasized the need for a thorough police investigation."We understand Sabitri Mitra's concerns about her safety. The party stands with her and expects the police to take the necessary action," he stated.
Sabitri Mitra has been representing Manikchak since 2011 on a TMC ticket, having previously been associated with the Congress.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are focusing on identifying the vehicle and its occupants, while political tensions in West Bengal continue to rise over security concerns for public representatives.