Abhishek Banerjee, General Secretary of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), on Monday skipped a summons issued by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in connection with the alleged ‘signature scandal’ case, marking his second consecutive absence from questioning.

Banerjee, who is currently in New Delhi to attend a meeting of the INDIA alliance, wrote to the CID seeking additional time to appear before investigators. Despite the expiry of the previously granted extension, he did not present himself for interrogation.

The CID on Monday served another notice asking Banerjee to appear before the investigating agency on Tuesday at its Bhabani Bhawan office.

The controversy traces its origins to the election process for the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly. Two dissident TMC MLAs—Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha—had raised concerns over significant discrepancies in the signatures of party legislators.

Acting on their complaint, the Assembly Secretary lodged a First Information Report (FIR), following which the CID initiated an investigation into the alleged irregularities.

CID probe and initial summons

As part of the ongoing probe, notices were issued to several ruling party MLAs, including Banerjee, who was first summoned on May 30. On that day, he reportedly encountered public protests while travelling to Sonarpur to visit the residence of a deceased party worker.

Subsequently, citing illness, Banerjee did not appear before investigators on June 1 and requested a 15-day extension.

The CID, however, granted only a seven-day extension, which expired on Monday. Despite this, Banerjee again failed to comply with the summons, marking his second consecutive absence in the case.

In his latest communication to the agency, Banerjee cited the sub judice nature of the matter and his presence in the national capital as reasons for his inability to appear.

Legal developments in high court

Meanwhile, Banerjee has approached the Calcutta High Court seeking protection from arrest in connection with the case. His plea for an urgent hearing was declined by Justice Chaitali Chatterjee Das, who has scheduled the matter for June 10.

The development adds a fresh layer of political tension in West Bengal, as the investigation into the alleged ‘signature scandal’ continues to unfold. The case has already triggered internal dissent within the ruling party, and Banerjee’s repeated absence is likely to intensify scrutiny in the days ahead.

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