BJP LEADER ARRESTED AFTER COURTROOM EGG ATTACK SPARKS LAWYERS’ UPRISING IN KOLKATA

October 9, 2026

KOLKATA — BJP leader Kushal Pandey has been arrested in connection with an alleged egg-throwing attack on lawyers at Bankshall Court, bringing a significant development in a controversy that triggered protests and road blockades by members of Kolkata’s legal fraternity.

Pandey, identified as the prime accused in the October 1 incident, was arrested by officers of Hare Street police station on Wednesday evening. According to police sources, he was summoned to the police station, where he allegedly surrendered before being formally taken into custody.

The incident occurred when YouTuber Dipak Byapari was brought to Bankshall Court following his arrest over social media posts allegedly targeting West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari. A group of protesters gathered inside the court premises and allegedly began throwing eggs. One egg struck a lawyer, triggering an altercation between advocates and protesters. Four lawyers were reportedly injured in the ensuing confrontation.

The incident provoked anger among lawyers, who accused the police of failing to take adequate action against those responsible. Advocates subsequently organised demonstrations and road blockades, demanding the arrest of the alleged perpetrators and stronger security arrangements within court premises.

The lawyers had planned a march to Kolkata Police headquarters at Lalbazar on October 8 to press their demands. However, the proposed march and gherao were called off following confirmation of Pandey’s arrest.

Despite the arrest, members of the legal fraternity maintained that action must be taken against everyone allegedly involved in the incident. The episode has intensified concerns over the safety of lawyers inside court complexes and the need to prevent confrontations involving outsiders on court premises.