Garbeta: A team of CPM-backed lawyers visiting violence-affected areas in West Midnapore’s Garbeta came under attack on Saturday night, prompting a sharp reaction from former chief minister Mamata Banerjee who accused BJP of propagating a “culture of intimidation and jungle raj”. Among those attacked was Calcutta High Court advocate Shamim Ahmed, who was leading the team.In a post on X, Banerjee said: “I strongly condemn such repeated atrocities by hooligans of BJP and urge the administration to ensure the safety and security of advocates and take firm, impartial action against those responsible.”“I am shocked to learn that he (Shamim) was even pressured to alter his complaint. Following the intervention of the Hon’ble Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court, Shamim returned home safely,” Banerjee added.The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon when the delegation of around 12 lawyers from the Calcutta HC and Midnapore court visited several villages in Garbeta 1 block to conduct an inspection following reports that CPM workers and supporters had been targeted in political clashes. The legal team visited the residence of CPM Garbeta area committee secretary Samed Gayen to facilitate the return of displaced villagers to their homes. During the visit, an attack was allegedly launched.CPM district secretary Bijoy Pal accused BJP of carrying out attacks on party workers in Garbeta region. BJP’s Garbeta MLA Pradeep Lodha maintained that his party was not involved in any way.
