The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of West Bengal Police has intensified its probe into the alleged Salboni government land fraud case, with a team reaching the residence of Sumit Roy, a former aide of Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee, with an arrest warrant on Tuesday. However, Roy could not be found during the search operation.
According to CID officials, the team reached Roy’s city residence along with personnel from Behala Police Station to execute the arrest warrant issued in connection with the Salboni case. The officials searched the premises, including the terrace, but the accused was not present. The agency said that a general diary would be filed at Behala Police Station regarding the search and related proceedings.
The action came a day after the Calcutta High Court rejected Roy’s anticipatory bail plea in the alleged government land fraud case involving Salboni. The court, however, granted him anticipatory bail in a separate job fraud case registered at Debra police station in Paschim Medinipur district.
The Salboni case relates to allegations that forged records were prepared to facilitate the illegal sale of government land. Investigators suspect that fake documents were used to manipulate ownership details and complete transactions involving government property.
According to officials, the investigation was initially being conducted by the district police but was recently transferred to the CID. The agency is now examining documents, financial transactions and the alleged role of individuals connected with both the Salboni land fraud case and the Debra job fraud case.
CID officials said the investigation is being carried out strictly in accordance with the court’s directions and legal provisions. Efforts are underway to trace the accused, while all aspects of the case are being examined.
Investigators are trying to determine the number of people involved in the alleged land fraud and how the forged documents were created and used to facilitate the transfer of government land. The agency is also verifying the authenticity of records related to the property and identifying those who may have benefited from the alleged transaction.
The Salboni land case gained attention after allegations emerged that government land was presented as a private property deal through the use of forged records. The CID is now examining land documents, ownership records and possible links between the accused persons involved in the alleged conspiracy.
Legal experts said that the use of forged documents in government land matters is considered a serious economic offence as it can lead to financial losses and misuse of public property. Investigating agencies generally examine documentary evidence, financial trails and communication records to establish the role of those involved.
Officials said that further details about the alleged network and the involvement of other persons are likely to emerge after Roy’s arrest and interrogation. The CID is currently tracking his possible locations and taking further legal steps based on the progress of the investigation.
The agency is also looking into whether any other government or private individuals played a role in the alleged fraud. Officials said further action will be taken based on evidence collected during the ongoing probe.
