CID Reaches Mamata Banerjee’s Residence After Summons Ignored
The Criminal Investigation Department on Tuesday reached the Kolkata residence of Mamata Banerjee after senior All India Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee skipped repeated summons linked to an alleged legislators’ signature forgery case. The development marks a significant escalation in the politically sensitive investigation that has increasingly placed the ruling Trinamool Congress leadership under scrutiny ahead of crucial political contests in West Bengal.
The CID had directed Abhishek Banerjee to appear for questioning by 5 pm in connection with allegations involving forged signatures of party MLAs. This was reportedly the third summons issued to the TMC leader in the ongoing probe.
What Triggered the CID Investigation
The controversy revolves around allegations that signatures of several TMC legislators were forged in documents endorsing senior party leader Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay as the Legislative Party’s Leader of Opposition. Questions were reportedly raised regarding the authenticity of endorsements submitted before the Assembly, prompting investigators to initiate a detailed examination of the documents and related communications.
CID Search at Kalighat Office
The investigation intensified when CID officials reached the TMC’s Kalighat office near Mamata Banerjee’s residence. According to reports, party functionary Chakraborty initially resisted the search operation, arguing that both Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee were in Delhi attending an INDIA bloc meeting and that permission could not be granted in their absence.
CID officials, however, rejected the argument and maintained that the search was part of an ongoing criminal investigation independent of the presence of political leaders. Officials reportedly showed notices issued to Abhishek Banerjee and insisted on immediate cooperation.
After nearly an hour-long standoff, investigators entered the office and carried out the search. Simultaneously, another CID team visited Abhishek Banerjee’s office on Camac Street, indicating that the agency was widening the scope of evidence collection.
Timeline of Abhishek Banerjee’s Non-Compliance
The current confrontation follows several earlier developments in the case. On May 30, CID officials first visited Abhishek Banerjee’s residence and issued a summons asking him to appear on June 1 at the agency’s Bhabani Bhavan headquarters.
Abhishek later sought a 14-day extension, citing injuries sustained while visiting the family of a deceased party worker. The CID reportedly rejected the request and issued another notice directing him to appear within seven days. When the revised deadline expired on June 8 without compliance, the agency moved ahead with office searches.
Meanwhile, Abhishek Banerjee is also facing separate scrutiny from the Enforcement Directorate in connection with alleged school recruitment irregularities. Municipal authorities have additionally issued notices concerning several properties reportedly linked to him.
Escalating Investigation Could Deepen Political Turbulence in Bengal
The CID’s decision to search locations associated with the Trinamool Congress leadership signals a sharper and more aggressive phase of the investigation. With Abhishek Banerjee skipping repeated summons and investigators expanding their inquiry, the political and legal stakes continue to rise. The developments could have wider implications for West Bengal politics, particularly as opposition parties intensify attacks on the ruling TMC over allegations of procedural and administrative irregularities.
(With agency inputs)
