India News : Trinamool Congress National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee was questioned by the CID for nearly five and a half hours on Thursday in connection with the alleged West Bengal Assembly signature forgery case. He arrived at the CID headquarters in Bhawani Bhavan at around 5:50 p.m. and left at approximately 11:30 p.m.
Following the interrogation, Banerjee reportedly went directly to the Kalighat residence of Mamata Banerjee. The CID has directed him to appear again on June 14 for further questioning.
Returned from Delhi Before Appearing
Abhishek Banerjee returned to Kolkata from Delhi on Thursday, with his flight landing at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport around 4:20 p.m. After briefly visiting his residence in Kalighat, he proceeded to Bhawani Bhavan and joined the investigation ahead of the scheduled time.
He did not speak to the media either while entering or leaving the CID office.
Investigation Into Alleged Forged Signatures
The CID is investigating allegations of forged signatures on a letter related to the selection of the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly. Banerjee had previously sought more time to appear, citing health reasons and later political engagements outside the city.
Fearing possible arrest, he approached the Calcutta High Court seeking protection.
High Court Grants Interim Relief
During Thursday’s hearing, the High Court directed Banerjee to appear before the CID by 6 p.m. and cooperate with the investigation. The court also stated that no coercive action would be taken against him for the time being.
The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for two weeks later, and until then, punitive action against him remains stayed.
Kalyan Banerjee Distances Himself From the Case
Before the hearing, TMC MP and lawyer Kalyan Banerjee withdrew from representing Abhishek Banerjee in the matter. He also publicly criticized Banerjee’s style of functioning, fueling speculation about internal differences within the party.
Tight Security Around CID Headquarters
In view of Banerjee’s appearance, authorities deployed additional police personnel, central forces, and the Rapid Action Force around Bhawani Bhavan. Tear gas arrangements were also reportedly kept ready to deal with any untoward situation.
Origin of the Controversy
The controversy centers on a letter allegedly sent by the Trinamool Congress Legislative Party to the Assembly Speaker, stating that Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay had been chosen as the Leader of the Opposition.
Investigators are examining claims that several signatures on the letter were inconsistent. Some legislators have reportedly stated that they never signed the document, while others pointed to irregularities in the way names were written. The letter also allegedly bears Abhishek Banerjee’s signature as the party’s General Secretary.
As part of the probe, the CID has already collected handwriting samples from three TMC legislators. During Banerjee’s arrival at Kolkata airport on Thursday, a group of protesters reportedly raised slogans against him, though he did not respond.
