Mamata Banerjee summoned to join investigation as witness in 2013 protest case

According to a report by India Today, the Delhi Police has issued a notice to former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to join the investigation in an old case and record her statement. The matter is linked to a confrontation that took place in New Delhi in 2013 between Trinamool Congress leaders and police personnel. Police sources clarified on Monday that Mamata Banerjee has been summoned as a witness in this case, not as an accused. A team from the Delhi Police reached her residence in Kolkata specifically to serve this notice. The police have instructed her that she may join the investigation at her residence, office, or any other location of her choice on any date as per her convenience.

The entire incident dates back to April 2013. At that time, Mamata Banerjee had arrived in Delhi with Trinamool Congress ministers and MPs. Her objective was to protest against the alleged attack on West Bengal's then Finance Minister Amit Mitra by workers of the Students' Federation of India (SFI), the student wing of CPI(M). This delegation had staged a protest near the NITI Aayog headquarters on Sansad Marg. During this, a confrontation occurred between Mamata Banerjee and Delhi Police personnel while they were seeking a way to enter the premises.

The Delhi Police had advised Mamata Banerjee to use the designated VIP entrance instead of the main gate, as left-wing workers had gathered near the main gate. However, Mamata Banerjee had refused to accept the advice and stepped out of her vehicle to walk towards the main entrance. According to a police report submitted to the Union Home Ministry, CISF personnel had opened the main gate to allow Mamata Banerjee entry. Amit Mitra, who was following her, was surrounded by protesters before he could reach the entrance. During this, he was misbehaved with and his shirt was also torn. Subsequently, security personnel escorted him safely inside.

Following the incident, Mamata Banerjee had harshly criticized the functioning of the Delhi Police. She had dismissed reports claiming that she was advised to use the VIP entrance. Defending her decision, she had stated that she considers herself a 'Less Important Person' (LIP) rather than a 'VIP' and would never bow her head. After returning to Kolkata from Delhi, Mamata Banerjee was admitted to Belle Vue Clinic, where she complained of breathing difficulties, increased heart rate, and body aches.

Mamata Banerjee is a prominent Indian politician who has served a long tenure as the Chief Minister of West Bengal.