A police team from West Midnapore conducted an early morning search operation at the Kolkata residence of Trinamool Congress National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday. The operation aimed to locate his executive assistant, Sumit Roy, who is reportedly absconding in a case registered at Salboni Police Station.
Quick Glance
- Police conducted a search at Abhishek Banerjee’s residence in south Kolkata around 3 a.m.
- Investigators were reportedly looking for his executive assistant, Sumit Roy.
- West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the residence during the operation.
- The development comes days before Banerjee faces questioning by CID and ED in multiple cases.
Kolkata: A major police operation unfolded in Kolkata in the early hours of Saturday when officers from West Midnapore district arrived at the residence of Trinamool Congress (TMC) National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee.
The team, led by a Deputy Superintendent of Police from Salboni Police Station, reached Banerjee’s residence on Kalighat Road at around 3 a.m. Personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) accompanied the team. Officers from the local Kalighat Police Station later joined the operation.
According to sources, the police repeatedly attempted to contact residents inside the premises. However, they allegedly received no response despite waiting for more than two hours.
Eventually, officials entered the premises after opening the locked entrance gate with assistance from personnel of the state Disaster Management Department.
Search Linked to Absconding Executive Assistant
The operation was reportedly connected to efforts to locate Sumit Roy, executive assistant to Abhishek Banerjee.
Investigators suspect that Roy may have links to a case registered at Salboni Police Station in West Midnapore district. Authorities, however, have not publicly disclosed details of the case.
Sources familiar with the development indicated that police conducted the search based on information suggesting Roy could be present at the residence.
The search continued for more than two hours. After completing the operation, the combined team of police and security personnel left the premises.
Mamata Banerjee Visits the Spot
The incident quickly drew political attention.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reportedly rushed to the residence after learning about the police action. She arrived from her nearby residence on Harish Chatterjee Street.
Her visit underscored the political sensitivity surrounding the operation, particularly because it involved one of the most prominent leaders of the ruling Trinamool Congress.
Political observers noted that the timing of the search has generated significant public interest as several investigations involving Abhishek Banerjee are currently underway.
Abhishek Banerjee Alleges Excesses
Following the operation, Abhishek Banerjee spoke to media representatives and criticized the manner in which the search was conducted.
He alleged that security personnel entered the premises by breaking the lock on the main entrance gate. He further claimed that the authorities exceeded their mandate during the operation.
No official statement from the police was immediately available regarding the allegations.
Crucial Week Ahead for TMC Leader
The search operation comes at a time when Abhishek Banerjee is scheduled to face questioning in three separate matters over three consecutive days.
Upcoming Interrogation Schedule
| Date | Agency | Case Details |
|---|---|---|
| June 14 | CID | Alleged signature discrepancies involving TMC legislators and an Assembly resolution |
| June 15 | Enforcement Directorate (ED) | Investigation into the alleged cash-for-school-jobs scam |
| June 16 | CID | Case related to alleged remarks targeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah before Assembly elections |
Banerjee has already undergone one round of questioning by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in connection with the alleged signature mismatch case.
The Enforcement Directorate had issued him a notice earlier this month regarding the school recruitment scam investigation.
Meanwhile, CID officials recently served another notice requiring his appearance in a separate case linked to alleged provocative statements made ahead of Assembly polls.
Political Implications and Public Interest
The sequence of developments has intensified political discussions across West Bengal. With multiple investigations progressing simultaneously, attention remains focused on both the legal proceedings and their potential political impact.
While law enforcement agencies maintain that investigations are proceeding according to established procedures, opposition parties and political analysts are closely monitoring the situation.
The coming days are expected to be significant as Banerjee appears before different investigative agencies in connection with separate cases.
People Also Ask
Why did police search Abhishek Banerjee’s residence?
Police reportedly conducted the search to locate Sumit Roy, Banerjee’s executive assistant, who is alleged to be absconding in a case registered at Salboni Police Station.
Who is Sumit Roy?
Sumit Roy serves as the executive assistant to Abhishek Banerjee and is currently being sought by investigators in connection with an undisclosed case.
Which agencies will question Abhishek Banerjee?
Abhishek Banerjee is scheduled to appear before the CID and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in separate investigations between June 14 and June 16.