CID searches Mamata Banerjee's Kolkata home in signature forgery probe; Know what the case is

On Tuesday, June 9, CID officers, backed by local police and a large contingent of women personnel, entered Mamata Banerjee’s Kolkata residence after a brief standoff with security. The search was prompted by Abhishek Banerjee’s written statement that MLA signatures were collected at the party’s central office. Abhishek, who skipped three summonses, had been ordered to appear by 5 pm, but was in New Delhi with Mamata at the time of the raid.

 

 

The controversy began when a proposal to recognise Sovandeb Chattopadhyay as Leader of Opposition allegedly contained forged MLA signatures. Two MLAs, Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha, claimed the resolution was fabricated, sparking an FIR and CID probe. The fallout saw 58 of 80 MLAs back Ritabrata for the post, leading to the first formal split in the party since 1998 and recognition of the rebel leader by the Speaker.

 

After initial complaints on May 25, the Assembly Secretariat’s inquiry led to an FIR on May 27 for cheating, forgery, and conspiracy, with CID taking over on May 28. Investigators have recorded statements from 13 MLAs, three of whom denied their signatures, while Abhishek has sought more time, citing a pending Calcutta High Court hearing. His lawyers have petitioned for protection from coercive action, arguing the summonses are politically motivated.

 

 

TMC leaders accused the CID of acting under political vendetta, with MP Kalyan Banerjee alleging harassment by CM Suvendu Adhikari. Party leaders questioned the legality of the raid, noting no FIR names Mamata Banerjee and she has not been called as a witness. CID maintains the search was justified as the disputed meeting and resolution were linked to the premises searched.

 

"This is not in accordance with the law. No FIR has been lodged against Mamata Banerjee, nor has she been called as a witness anywhere. This is a vindictive attitude initiated by CM Suvendu Adhikari. They just want to harass Mamata Banerjee," Kalyan Banerjee said.

 

 

The case centres on allegations that signatures of Trinamool Congress (TMC) legislators were forged on a communication submitted to the Assembly Speaker, endorsing the selection of Sovandeb Chattopadhyay as the Leader of Opposition. The probe targets alleged signature forgery that led 58 rebel MLAs to split the TMC, marking what is being described as the deepest internal crisis in the ruling party's 28-year history. 

At the time of the search, Mamata Banerjee was in New Delhi after attending a meeting of the INDIA bloc. Officials have not publicly disclosed the full purpose of the visit. In essence, this is a significant political and legal development with implications for the TMC's internal unity and the West Bengal political landscape.