Attack on Abhishek’s Convoy: 4 arrested, Kudmi outfit says not involved

Hansda’s vehicle was vandalised as stones were allegedly hurled at Banerjee’s convoy when they were travelling to Gajimul near Lodhasuli after leading a roadshow in Jhargram town, police said.

Glass particles from the shattered windscreen of the car hit Hansda, and also injured her driver. Some cars and motorcycles following them were also vandalised in the stone-pelting.

The accused were arrested after hours of questioning. When produced at a court, they were sent to three days in police custody. Police said they were dressed as members of Kudmi outfits, tying yellow bands on their foreheads.
Members of the Kudmi community are protesting in the region for weeks, demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

Kudmi Samaj president Rajesh Mahato at a press conference said certain people were trying to tarnish the image of their peaceful protest. “We do not support any kind of violence. We condemn this incident. Let there be a full investigation. Those who are conspiring to tarnish our peaceful movement, we strongly condemn them.”