West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday reacted to the incident of stone pelting on Vande Bharat Express in Bengal, claiming that it was in Bihar where stones were pelted and not her state.
Threatening media outlets of legal action, she said that action will be taken against those who spread “fake news” that these incidents took place in West Bengal, PTI reported.
She said that these reports bring a bad name to her state.
"Vande Bharat was pelted with stones in Bihar and not in West Bengal. We will take legal action against those media outlets that telecast fake news that the incident took place in West Bengal and brought a bad name to our state," Banerjee told reporters before leaving Sagar Island, quoted PTI.
"Vande Bharat is nothing special. It is just an old train refurbished with a new engine," she said.
CM Mamata Banerjee concluded her two-day visit to the island to oversee the preparations for the Gangasagar Mela that begins on January 8.
Earlier, stones were pelted on the Howrah-New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Express on Monday and Tuesday, just four days after it was launched in the state. A crack was formed in the glass shield of the door as a result of the pelting. However, all passengers have been reported to be safe. The train wasn't delayed as the damage was not significant enough to halt the train that would've caused the delay.
According to PTI, Railway authorities on Thursday claimed they have identified those who threw stones at the train.
A war of words erupted between BJP and the ruling Trinamool Congress in the state following the incident. BJP demanded an NIA investigation into the incident, while the Trinamool Congress hinted at a "conspiracy to defame the state".
"It is shameful that Vande Bharat express is being attacked or ransacked in no other state. The state government will do nothing against the perpetrators to secure its vote bank," said West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar.
(With PTI Inputs)