West Bengal: CID Team Knocks On Abhishek Banerjee’s Door Over Alleged Assembly Signature Forgery Case
In a major political development that has sent shockwaves through the political corridors of West Bengal, a special team of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) arrived at the south Kolkata residence of Trinamool Congress (TMC) National General Secretary and Member of Parliament, Abhishek Banerjee. The unexpected move by the state investigative agency signals growing legal troubles for the top leadership of the party following recent shifts in the state's political landscape.
According to reliable sources, a five-member team of the detective department initially reached Abhishek Banerjee’s official residence, 'Santiniketan', located on Harish Mukherjee Road. However, the high-profile dramatic sequence unfolded on the streets of Kolkata for nearly an hour and a half when the investigators discovered that the Diamond Harbour MP was not present on the premises.
Dramatic Chase Across South Kolkata Neighborhoods
Upon arriving at the Harish Mukherjee Road address, the CID officials were informed by the house staff that the leader was away. Refusing to return empty-handed or hand over the confidential official documents to the office staff, the investigators insisted on a personal delivery. After tracing his location, the team was directed to his alternative residence on the adjacent Kalighat Road.
The investigative team waited outside the Kalighat Road property for a brief period before Abhishek Banerjee emerged to receive the notice firsthand. The agency officially handed over a summons directing the prominent leader to appear for intensive questioning at the CID headquarters, Bhabani Bhawan, at noon on Monday.
The Controversial MLA Signature Forgery Case Explained
The underlying roots of this sudden legal crackdown trace back to a highly controversial document submitted to the West Bengal Assembly Secretariat on May 19. Following a major political transition in the state, a communication containing the signatures of approximately 70 newly-elected legislators was filed to nominate veteran leader Shobhandeb Chattopadhyay as the Leader of the Opposition (LoP)—a post that carries cabinet minister rank.
However, things took a serious turn when the Assembly Secretariat noticed deep discrepancies. A formal complaint was subsequently filed at Kolkata's Hare Street Police Station, alleging that the signatures of multiple MLAs did not match the official assembly records. The investigation revealed that certain legislators were not even present in the capital on the day the document was purportedly signed, leading to allegations of document fabrication and forgery.
Ruling Leadership Faces Intense Legal Heat
The CID has already turned up the heat on the political outfit by questioning several prominent legislators in connection with the ongoing probe. Top leaders and MLAs, including Nayna Bandyopadhyay, Kunal Ghosh, Chandranath Sinha, and Baharul Islam, have already been interrogated, and their official handwriting and signature samples have been collected for forensic comparison.
The case directly links to a strategic meeting convened on May 6 at the party supremo's residence, where Abhishek Banerjee had interacted with the newly elected members to outline their legislative strategy and choose parliamentary representatives.
Defiant Stance Against Alleged Political Vendetta
Speaking to members of the press immediately after receiving the legal notice, Abhishek Banerjee maintained a defiant stance, sharply criticizing the action as a clear manifestation of political vendetta. He emphasized that he would not cower under pressure and would tackle the challenge through proper judicial channels.
The leader noted that he had faced multiple rounds of questioning by central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the past and has always cooperated with law enforcement. He assured reporters that he would consult his legal team, examine the specific contents of the notice, and formulate an appropriate response ahead of his scheduled appearance on Monday.
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