In a late-night development, a police team from West Midnapore conducted a search operation at the residence of Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee in Kolkata’s Kalighat area in connection with a land fraud investigation involving his personal assistant Sumit Roy as an accused.
Late-Night Search Conducted
The raid, carried out around 2 am on Saturday, was part of an ongoing probe into alleged financial irregularities linked to a land fraud case. Officials confirmed that the search operation lasted for over an hour but no accused was found at the premises and no items were seized during the operation.
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According to police sources, the action was initiated after investigators tracked the mobile tower location of Sumit Roy, who is believed to be linked to the case. The location reportedly indicated his presence in the Kalighat area, prompting the police team to reach the residence.
A senior officer stated that the team from Salboni police station first reached Kolkata late on Friday night and coordinated with local authorities before proceeding with the search operation. A large contingent of police personnel, including women officers and Central Armed Police Forces personnel, was deployed outside the residence at 121 Kalighat Road.
Locks Broken After Standoff
Officials said the police initially asked those present at the residence to open the door or inform Abhishek Banerjee, but there was no response. Following a prolonged standoff that lasted several hours, personnel from the Kolkata Police disaster management group were called in to break open the locks.
The police eventually entered the residence around 6 am, with the search operation continuing for nearly an hour. Senior officers said both Abhishek Banerjee and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee were present at the residence during the operation. Mamata Banerjee reportedly arrived shortly after being informed about the search.
During the operation, officials stated that the premises were thoroughly checked but no incriminating material was recovered. The search concluded around 7:40 am, after which the police team left the location.
Mobile Tracking Led To Search
The development comes amid a broader legal scrutiny involving Abhishek Banerjee, who has been questioned by investigative agencies in multiple cases. Earlier, he was interrogated for several hours by the Criminal Investigation Department in connection with a signature forgery case. He has also been summoned in other ongoing investigations related to alleged financial and electoral-related matters.
Police sources further stated that the mobile tracking of Sumit Roy played a key role in initiating the search operation. However, despite extensive efforts, the accused was not located at the residence during the raid.
The operation has triggered strong political reactions, with allegations of bias and counterclaims of lawful investigation being exchanged between rival political parties. While one side has termed the search a routine procedural action in a corruption probe, others have alleged political targeting.
Land Fraud Probe Continues
Meanwhile, authorities confirmed that the investigation into the land fraud case remains active and further questioning of individuals linked to the matter is expected in the coming days. Officials indicated that additional summons may be issued depending on the progress of the probe.
The case reportedly involves allegations of forgery and fraudulent transfer of land-related assets, with Sumit Roy named as a key accused. Investigators are also examining financial transactions and communication records linked to the case.
Police have stated that all legal procedures were followed during the search operation and that documentation related to the raid has been recorded as part of the investigation file.
The incident has added fresh political tension in West Bengal, where multiple ongoing disputes and investigations have already created a charged atmosphere.
Officials maintained that the investigation is still in its preliminary stages and it would be premature to draw conclusions regarding the involvement of any individual until all evidence is verified.
Further developments are expected as investigators continue to trace the movements of the accused and verify financial and documentary evidence linked to the alleged land fraud network.
