Kolkata | The West Bengal Police have frozen 12 more bank accounts of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in connection with an alleged fund diversion case. The accounts reportedly hold deposits of more than ₹1,000 crore. Police officials said the action was taken following complaints of alleged illegal transfer of funds and a preliminary investigation into the matter.
Earlier, the police and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had frozen three bank accounts of the party containing around ₹440 crore. Following the action, the Trinamool Congress approached the Calcutta High Court, which allowed the party to withdraw money from the accounts for administrative expenses under judicial supervision.
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According to police officials, the cybercrime unit of Bidhannagar Police issued notices to several nationalised and private banks, following which the 12 accounts were temporarily suspended. The officials said details of account holders, transactions and other related information have also been sought as part of the investigation.
The case is linked to an FIR registered on the complaint of MLA Sandipan Saha, who is now associated with the faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee. The complaint alleges that funds from certain party bank accounts were illegally diverted.
During the investigation, police have recorded statements of seven MLAs belonging to the Ritabrata Banerjee faction. Investigators are examining alleged financial transactions, money trails and the movement of funds connected with the accounts.
Following the police FIR, the Enforcement Directorate also initiated a probe into the matter and earlier froze three bank accounts. On July 7, the agency conducted searches at five locations in Kolkata and registered another FIR under Section 17(1-A) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The provision allows the ED to freeze assets or bank deposits in cases where immediate physical seizure is not practical.
On Friday, advocate Kishore Datta filed a petition before the Calcutta High Court on behalf of the Trinamool faction led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, challenging the latest ED action. The petition stated that the freezing of accounts was creating difficulties for the party in withdrawing funds required for routine administrative activities. The matter is expected to be heard on Monday.
Earlier, on July 9, a bench headed by Justice Saugata Bhattacharya of the Calcutta High Court allowed the Trinamool Congress to operate the three frozen accounts for day-to-day administrative purposes. However, the court directed that all transactions from the accounts would remain under the supervision of a special judicial officer, retired Justice Subrata Talukdar.
Meanwhile, in the Rajya Sabha, Trinamool Congress MP Derek O’Brien questioned the ED’s action and asked whether similar steps would be taken in other cases. In a social media post, he referred to the freezing of TMC accounts and raised questions over alleged irregularities involving other institutions.
Trinamool leader Kunal Ghosh criticised the Ritabrata Banerjee faction, questioning how funds were accepted from the same accounts earlier if they were allegedly illegal. He accused the opposing faction of adopting a contradictory position.
The police and the Enforcement Directorate are currently investigating the matter. Agencies are examining bank transactions, sources of funds, possible beneficiaries and other aspects related to the alleged financial irregularities. Further action will be taken based on evidence emerging during the investigation.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
