Security Lapse Alleged After Armed Man Detained at Kolkata Airport

MP, June 21, 2026, Kolkata:  TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday flagged serious security issues through his social media post and also alleged that an individual was detained at the Kolkata airport on Friday night with a gun after he had landed in the city.

He also shared a video of a person who appears to be holding a pistol on X and wrote: “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.”

When clashes broke out between supporters of the TMC and the BJP outside Kolkata airport on Friday night ahead of Abhishek’s arrival, an armed man was allegedly spotted and apprehended by TMC supporters.

The TMC alleged that an armed man was a BJP worker and had planned to target Banerjee and described the incident as a serious failure of law and order.

The unrest was triggered when BJP supporters gathered outside the airport to hurl eggs at Abhishek.

TMC MP Derek O’Brien also alleged that a “BJP supporter” was seen at the airport exit with a gun when he and Banerjee were leaving the premises.

The TMC’s official X account also alleged that it was an “attempt to murder” the party general secretary, adding that criminals roam freely under the watch of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.

However, Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar said that Banerjee was unable to accept the security downgrade after the change in government.

Five people, including a former councillor, Debasish Banerjee, were arrested for creating trouble outside the airport on Friday night.

The Trinamool Congress, however, alleged that the man who was apprehended with a gun by party workers was not arrested.