Alleged Knife Attack on Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee

On October 13, 2026, a woman approached former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee outside her Kalighat residence in Kolkata as she left to inaugurate a Durga Puja pandal. According to a complaint filed by Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Dola Sen, the woman—identified in the complaint as Tannishtha Saha, a civic volunteer—was intoxicated, used abusive language, claimed to be Banerjee’s niece, and brandished a knife. TMC leaders described the episode as an “attempted knife attack” and raised concerns about Banerjee’s Z-plus security cover.

Hindustan Times'Makes such claims all the time’: BJP dismisses TMC’s Mamata knife attack allegation TMC alleges knife attack on Mamata Banerjee outside Kolkata residence, MP Dola Sen files police complaint Woman Tried To Attack Mamata Banerjee With Knife Near Her House, Claims Party New Indian ExpressThe Indian ExpressNew Indian Express

Mamata Banerjee, a three-time chief minister, retains Z-plus security status after leaving office following the May 2026 state elections. Since the TMC’s loss of power, party members have reported several incidents targeting its leaders, prompting scrutiny of security arrangements.

The Hindu

• October 13, 2026 (around 6 p.m.) – Banerjee exits her Kalighat home; a woman identified as Tannishtha Saha (or, per police, Anusua Saha) approaches with a knife, hurls insults, and lies on the road.

Hindustan Times

• October 14, 2026 – Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Kumar Nand states that the complaint “has no substance or truth,” characterizing the episode as a non-attack and confirming the woman’s arrest.

Telegraph India

• Dola Sen (TMC MP) submitted an email to the officer-in-charge of Kalighat Police Station, invoking Section 173 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and demanding action. She alleged that the woman’s aggressive approach exposed a security breach for a Z-plus protectee.

TMC alleges knife attack on Mamata Banerjee outside Kolkata residence, MP Dola Sen files police complaint

• Saket Gokhale (TMC spokesperson) posted on X that a “drug addict” had reached Banerjee’s residence and attempted the knife attack, questioning how a protected leader could be vulnerable.

'Even a 3-time CM is not safe': TMC alleges knife attack bid on Mamata Banerjee

• Ajay Kumar Nand (Kolkata Police Commissioner) told PTI that the incident was “not an attack,” that the woman went to meet Banerjee but was perceived otherwise by supporters, and that she has been detained.

Telegraph IndiaNew Indian ExpressThePrintThe Indian ExpressNew Indian ExpressTMC alleges knife attack on Mamata Banerjee outside Kolkata residence, MP Dola Sen files police complaint 'Makes such claims all the time’: BJP dismisses TMC’s Mamata knife attack allegation

• Dilip Ghosh (BJP minister) dismissed Banerjee’s claims, suggesting she repeatedly makes unfounded allegations.

'Makes such claims all the time’: BJP dismisses TMC’s Mamata knife attack allegation

• Debjit Sarkar (BJP spokesperson) argued that Banerjee’s planned Durga Puja march contravenes democratic norms and cited multiple legal cases against her.

'Makes such claims all the time’: BJP dismisses TMC’s Mamata knife attack allegation

• Identity of the woman: TMC complaint names her Tannishtha Saha; police statements refer to her as Anusua Saha.

Woman Tried To Attack Mamata Banerjee With Knife Near Her House, Claims Party

• Nature of the encounter: TMC describes it as an “attempted knife attack”; police label it an “altercation” with “no substance or truth” to the alleged attack.

'Even a 3-time CM is not safe': TMC alleges knife attack bid on Mamata Banerjee

• Injuries: No reports of injury to Banerjee were recorded.

'Makes such claims all the time’: BJP dismisses TMC’s Mamata knife attack allegation

• Security response: Sen alleges two police personnel refused to intervene, citing jurisdictional issues, while police later assert that officers on the scene detained the woman promptly.

New Indian Express

Police continue to investigate the woman’s background, her absence from civic-volunteer duties, and the video evidence submitted with the complaint. The inquiry will determine whether any legal action under the BNSS or other statutes is warranted.

New Indian Express