Kolkata: A search operation conducted at the residence of Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee in the early hours of Saturday triggered a political controversy, with the party alleging harassment and opposition voices defending the investigation.
The operation, which reportedly began around 3 am at Banerjee’s Kalighat residence in Kolkata, was carried out by a team of police officers and security personnel searching for his personal assistant, Sumit Roy, who is reportedly wanted in connection with an ongoing financial fraud investigation.
The search lasted for nearly four hours and quickly became a major political flashpoint in West Bengal, particularly after Trinamool Congress leaders accused authorities of using investigative agencies for political purposes.
Search linked to investigation involving personal assistant
According to reports, investigators were looking for Sumit Roy, a personal assistant to Banerjee, who is being sought in connection with a financial fraud case.
Officials reportedly traced Roy’s last known mobile phone location to Banerjee’s residence, prompting the search operation. A team from Salboni Police Station in Paschim Medinipur, assisted by Kolkata Police personnel, is said to have conducted the search.
Sources indicated that the operation was carried out after investigators gathered information suggesting that Roy could be present at the residence.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed further details regarding the ongoing investigation or whether Roy was located during the operation.
Mamata Banerjee visits residence during operation
Shortly after officials arrived at the residence, Trinamool Congress chief and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reportedly reached her nephew’s home in Kalighat.
She remained at the residence for some time while the search operation was underway. Her presence underscored the political significance of the development and drew considerable media attention.
The visit also fuelled speculation about the party’s concerns regarding the nature and timing of the operation.
Abhishek Banerjee reacts to reporters’ questions
Following the search, Abhishek Banerjee interacted with reporters outside his residence. A video of the exchange has since gone viral on social media.
When questioned about the whereabouts of his personal assistant, Banerjee declined to provide details and instead directed queries to the investigating authorities.
“I am not a representative of the investigative body. The answer will be given by those who have conducted the search,” Banerjee said while speaking to reporters.
He further stated that his residence had been thoroughly searched and that investigators should answer questions regarding the purpose and outcome of the operation.
Observers noted that the Trinamool Congress MP appeared visibly frustrated during the interaction as questions regarding Roy continued.
TMC alleges forced entry and political targeting
Following the operation, Banerjee alleged that officials entered the residence by breaking a lock. The Trinamool Congress also raised concerns over the deployment of security personnel during the search.
Party leaders described the operation as politically motivated and accused authorities of targeting opposition figures.
TMC MP Kirti Azad criticised the investigation and alleged that such actions reflected a pattern of political pressure against opposition leaders.
Meanwhile, TMC leader Sagarika Ghose claimed that no incriminating evidence was recovered during the search. In a social media post, she alleged that the operation amounted to political intimidation and harassment.
Investigation continues amid political reactions
Authorities have not yet released an official statement detailing the outcome of the search or whether any material was seized during the operation.
The investigation involving Sumit Roy remains ongoing, and officials are expected to continue efforts to locate him and gather evidence related to the alleged financial fraud case.
The incident has further intensified the political atmosphere in West Bengal, where the ruling Trinamool Congress and its opponents frequently clash over the use of investigative agencies and law enforcement actions.
As the probe continues, attention is likely to remain focused on both the investigation and the political fallout surrounding the early morning search at one of the state’s most prominent political residences.