Mamata Banerjee Injured in Helicopter Landing

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sustained injuries to her leg and waist on Tuesday when the helicopter she was traveling in was forced to make a precautionary landing at Sevoke Road Army Aviation Base due to inclement weather. The incident occurred as the Chief Minister, accompanied by three others, was en route from Kranti Helipad in Jalpaiguri to Bagdogra Airport in order to catch a flight to Kolkata.

According to a statement issued by the PRO Ministry of Defence, “The Chief Minister was traveling from Kranti Helipad, Jalpaiguri to Bagdogra Airport to catch a flight to Kolkata. Due to bad weather conditions, her helicopter made a precautionary landing at Sevoke Road Army Aviation Base at 1:35 PM. The Chief Minister was escorted to the waiting area, where she interacted with army personnel and was provided with refreshments and tea. She remained there until the civil administration arranged for her further transportation by road. At 2:23 PM, the Chief Minister left for Bagdogra Airport by road.” The Ministry of Defence also released two accompanying pictures.

Sources reported that CM Banerjee arrived at Kolkata airport shortly before 5 PM on Tuesday, after which she was promptly taken to the SSKM hospital. While an ambulance was present at the airport, the Chief Minister chose to travel to the hospital in her own car. Upon arrival, the hospital staff offered her a wheelchair, but she declined to use it. However, she was observed struggling while walking. Hospital sources stated that CM Banerjee’s injuries were not severe, but she underwent a thorough examination. An SSKM doctor briefed the media, stating, “An MRI was conducted. The Chief Minister has sustained a ligament injury in her left knee and left hip joint. Although she was advised hospitalisation, she expressed her intention to follow the doctors’ advice and recover at home.”