A late-night police search at the Kolkata residence of Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee has triggered a fresh political controversy in West Bengal. The operation, which began around 3 am on Saturday and continued for nearly four hours, was carried out as part of an investigation involving Banerjee’s personal assistant, Sumit Roy.
Officials reportedly searched the Kalighat residence after tracking Roy’s mobile phone location to the property. Roy is wanted in connection with an ongoing financial fraud case.
Viral Video Shows Banerjee Responding to Reporters
Following the search, a video of Abhishek Banerjee interacting with reporters gained traction on social media.
Responding to questions regarding Roy’s whereabouts, Banerjee said that he was not part of the investigative agency and could not answer on its behalf.
He stated that the entire house had been searched and suggested that journalists seek answers from the officials conducting the operation.
Who Is Sumit Roy?
According to reports, Sumit Roy serves as Abhishek Banerjee’s personal assistant and is currently under investigation in an alleged financial fraud case.
A team from Salboni Police Station in Paschim Medinipur reportedly led the operation, with support from Kolkata Police personnel. Investigators launched the search after receiving information that Roy’s mobile phone was last located at Banerjee’s residence.
Mamata Banerjee Visits Residence During Search
As the operation unfolded, West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee reportedly visited Abhishek Banerjee’s residence and stayed there for some time while the search was underway.
The development added political significance to an already sensitive investigation involving one of the state’s most prominent political figures.
TMC Alleges Political Vendetta
After the search concluded, Abhishek Banerjee alleged that officers forcibly entered the residence by breaking a lock. He also questioned the manner in which the operation was conducted.
Several TMC leaders criticised the search and accused the ruling BJP at the Centre of using investigative agencies for political purposes.
TMC MP Kirti Azad described the action as part of a recurring political strategy, while TMC leader Sagarika Ghose claimed that investigators failed to recover any incriminating evidence during the search.
ED Raids Linked to Civic Recruitment Case
The search at Banerjee’s residence came on the same day that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids at multiple locations linked to TMC MLA and former minister Madan Mitra.
The ED action is reportedly connected to alleged irregularities in civic body recruitment processes, adding to the growing political and legal scrutiny surrounding several TMC leaders.
Political Tensions Continue Within TMC
The latest controversy comes at a time when internal differences within the Trinamool Congress have attracted public attention.
Political observers have noted increasing disagreements within sections of the party regarding leadership and organisational direction. Reports suggest that some MPs and MLAs have expressed dissatisfaction, fuelling speculation about potential factional developments within the ruling party.
However, party leadership has not officially commented on reports of any possible split.
