Kolkata: A team of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), accompanied by police personnel and central security forces, visited the Kalighat residence-cum-party office of Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday as part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged signature forgery case that has sparked a major controversy within the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC).
The development marks a significant step in the probe, which revolves around allegations that signatures of several TMC legislators were forged on documents related to a proposal submitted to the West Bengal Assembly Speaker. The issue has triggered intense political debate and exposed internal tensions within the party.
CID conducts verification at TMC office
Officials clarified that the investigation was focused on the party’s central office at 30B Harish Chatterjee Street in Kalighat, where the signatures were allegedly collected.
The CID team arrived with officers from the local police station, including a sizeable contingent of women police personnel. Investigators conducted verification procedures linked to claims that signatures of multiple legislators had been used without proper authorisation on a proposal concerning the recognition of the Leader of Opposition.
The visit came shortly after the agency issued notices and sought responses from key individuals connected to the case.
Abhishek Banerjee’s response triggers fresh action
According to officials, the latest investigative move followed a response submitted by Abhishek Banerjee to an earlier CID notice.
In his reply, Banerjee reportedly informed investigators that signatures of party legislators had been collected at the TMC’s central office in Kalighat. Based on this information, the agency decided to carry out a verification exercise at the premises.
Investigators also visited Banerjee’s office on Camac Street as part of the broader inquiry into the matter.
Brief standoff before CID entry
The investigation witnessed a brief period of tension when CID officers initially faced resistance while attempting to enter the premises.
Reports indicated that security personnel questioned the team’s entry, resulting in a short standoff. Earlier in the day, senior TMC leader Subhasish Chakraborty had reportedly stated that the party would not permit a search operation in the absence of Abhishek Banerjee.
However, the situation later eased after the CID returned with a larger police presence. Senior officers were seen holding discussions with security staff before investigators were allowed to proceed with their verification work.
Allegations centre on opposition leader proposal
The controversy stems from allegations that signatures of several TMC legislators were forged on a proposal supporting senior party leader Sovandeb Chattopadhyay for the post of Leader of Opposition.
Following the allegations, an FIR was registered and the CID launched a formal investigation to determine whether signatures had been collected or used without the consent of the concerned legislators.
Investigators are expected to examine documents, collect statements from party leaders and legislators, and verify the authenticity of the signatures involved in the case.
Political implications for the TMC
The signature forgery allegations have emerged at a sensitive time for the Trinamool Congress, with observers viewing the issue as one of the most significant internal controversies faced by the party in recent years.
Political analysts believe the investigation could have implications for internal party dynamics, particularly given the involvement of senior leaders and the attention the matter has attracted across West Bengal’s political landscape.
Opposition parties have also sought explanations regarding the allegations, while TMC leaders have maintained that the matter should be allowed to proceed through the legal and investigative process.
Investigation continues
CID officials have not yet disclosed the full scope of evidence collected during Tuesday’s visit. Further questioning and document verification are expected in the coming days as investigators seek to establish the sequence of events surrounding the alleged forgery.
The agency is likely to examine whether any procedural lapses occurred and identify individuals responsible if wrongdoing is established.
Conclusion
The CID’s visit to Mamata Banerjee’s Kalighat office marks a crucial development in the signature forgery investigation that has generated significant political attention in West Bengal. As the probe progresses, the findings could play an important role in determining the credibility of the allegations and their broader impact on the state’s political landscape.