Armed man nabbed outside Kolkata airport after Abhishek Banerjee lands
Synopsis
An armed individual was allegedly nabbed by TMC women supporters at Kolkata airport's exit gate minutes before Abhishek Banerjee walked out on Friday night. Senior TMC MP Derek O'Brien has called it a possible 'attempt to murder,' while the party has accused the state of sponsoring the threat — a claim that remains unverified and that West Bengal Police have yet to officially address.
Key Takeaways
An individual was allegedly apprehended with a firearm at the exit of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport , Kolkata , on Friday, 20 June at approximately 9:45 pm .
The incident occurred shortly after TMC General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee landed from Delhi , where he had met Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla .
TMC MP Derek O'Brien posted a video on X labelling it a possible 'attempt to murder' and alleged the detained person was a BJP supporter.
The person was reportedly restrained by TMC women supporters before being escorted away; police have not confirmed the detained individual's identity or affiliation.
TMC has alleged the incident was a state-sponsored attempt on a political opponent's life — a claim that remains unverified.
An individual was allegedly apprehended with a firearm outside Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata on the night of Friday, 20 June, shortly after All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) General Secretary and Member of Parliament Abhishek Banerjee arrived from Delhi. The incident has triggered sharp questions about security arrangements in West Bengal, with senior TMC leaders alleging it may have been a deliberate attempt on Banerjee's life.
What Happened Outside the Airport
According to TMC leaders, an armed individual was present at the exit gate of the airport at approximately 9:45 pm on Friday, around the time Banerjee and other party leaders were walking out. Videos circulated on social media appear to show the person being surrounded and physically restrained by women supporters of the Trinamool Congress before being escorted away.
TMC MP Derek O'Brien shared one such video on X (formerly Twitter), writing: 'BJP SUPPORTER WITH A GUN. Chilling video. More proof from outside Kolkata airport last night. Attempt to murder?' O'Brien also questioned the West Bengal Police for allowing the situation to develop, asking: 'Armed man at exit. Nabbed by women supporters of TMC. Bengal Police? Videos say it all.'
Abhishek Banerjee Raises Security Concerns
In a post on X, Banerjee said: 'Last night at Kolkata Airport, shortly after I landed from Delhi, a shocking incident took place. Armed individuals were apprehended, leading to serious questions about security and the lengths to which some are willing to go.' He further alleged that the incident had not received adequate attention from sections of the mainstream media.
Political Context: Delhi Visit and Rebel MPs
Banerjee had travelled to Delhi on Friday to meet Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, where he reportedly challenged the merger of rebel TMC MPs with the National Citizens' Party of India (NCPI). The airport incident occurred shortly after his return from that politically charged meeting, adding a layer of significance to the timing.
TMC Alleges State-Sponsored Threat
The Trinamool Congress on Friday alleged that the incident amounted to a state-sponsored attempt to eliminate a political opponent, and questioned the state of law and order under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The party has not yet provided independent verification of its claims, and the police have not issued a detailed public statement on the matter as of the time of reporting. The identity and affiliation of the detained individual have not been officially confirmed.
With the incident now drawing national attention, pressure is mounting on the West Bengal Police to release a factual account of what transpired and what action has been taken against the detained person.
Point of View
But the verified facts remain thin: an individual was detained, videos show a crowd restraining him, and the police have yet to speak. TMC's framing — 'state-sponsored attempt to murder' — is a serious charge that demands an independent, time-stamped account from law enforcement, not party handles. What is notable is that the person was reportedly subdued by party supporters rather than airport security or police, which itself raises questions about protocol. Until the West Bengal Police confirm the detainee's identity, weapon, and motive, the gap between allegation and fact is wide enough to drive a political narrative through — and both sides know it.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened outside Kolkata airport on 20 June 2025?
An individual was allegedly apprehended with a firearm at the exit gate of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata at around 9:45 pm on Friday, 20 June, shortly after TMC General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee and other party leaders walked out. The person was reportedly restrained by TMC women supporters and escorted away.
Why did Abhishek Banerjee travel to Delhi before the incident?
Banerjee had visited Delhi to meet Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, where he reportedly challenged the merger of rebel TMC MPs with the National Citizens' Party of India (NCPI). He returned to Kolkata the same evening, and the airport incident occurred shortly after his arrival.
What did Derek O'Brien allege about the Kolkata airport incident?
TMC MP Derek O'Brien alleged on X that a BJP supporter was standing at the airport exit with a firearm and called it a possible 'attempt to murder' Abhishek Banerjee. He also questioned West Bengal Police for allowing the situation to develop.
Has West Bengal Police confirmed the identity or affiliation of the detained person?
As of the time of reporting, West Bengal Police had not issued a detailed public statement confirming the identity, weapon, or political affiliation of the individual detained outside the airport. The claims of BJP affiliation have been made by TMC leaders and remain unverified.
What is the TMC's broader political allegation?
The Trinamool Congress has alleged that the incident was a state-sponsored attempt to eliminate a political opponent, and questioned the state of law and order under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. The party has not provided independent verification of this claim.
