The West Bengal Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Tuesday reached the Kolkata residence of former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after Trinamool Congress National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee failed to appear for questioning in a signature forgery case.
The CID had asked the TMC MP to report to its south Kolkata headquarters by 5 pm on Tuesday. The agency issued the notice as part of its investigation into alleged forged signatures of party legislators. This was the third summons served to Banerjee in the case.
CID Issues Third Notice
CID officials delivered the latest notice to Abhishek Banerjee’s aide, Subhasish, at his Kalighat Road residence in south Kolkata on Monday. The agency said it had not received any official response from the MP regarding the summons. Officials also claimed they did not know his exact whereabouts.
On Monday, Abhishek Banerjee travelled to New Delhi with Mamata Banerjee to attend a key INDIA bloc meeting. His office aide told CID officials that the MP was in the national capital. He also informed them that Banerjee had requested more time before appearing for questioning.
Kunal Ghosh Criticises CID Action
TMC leader Kunal Ghosh criticised the CID team's visit to Mamata Banerjee’s residence. “We condemn this; we are all law-abiding citizens… Everyone knows that she is currently in Delhi for the INDIA bloc meeting and another important program. What is happening here in her absence?… I tried to go inside, but the CID is not allowing it… It is not right for democracy that when Mamata Banerjee is in Delhi, the CID and central forces are present at her residence," he said.
What Is the Signature Forgery Case?
The case relates to alleged discrepancies in the signatures of several Trinamool Congress legislators. The signatures appeared on an important resolution linked to appointments for key Opposition posts in the West Bengal Assembly. Investigators are examining whether some signatures were forged or improperly used.
Banerjee Earlier Sought More Time
Abhishek Banerjee had already requested more time on two previous occasions. He cited health reasons and political commitments in New Delhi, including participation in INDIA bloc activities.
Despite those requests, CID officials served him with a third summons on Monday.
High Court Hearing Scheduled
Meanwhile, Abhishek Banerjee has challenged the summons before the Calcutta High Court. The court will hear his petition on June 10. The hearing could influence the next stage of the CID investigation into the alleged signature forgery case.