A team from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) conducted a search at the residence of Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee in Kalighat, Kolkata, on June 13. The operation reportedly commenced early in the morning, with police arriving at approximately 3 am. Subsequent to their arrival, a Disaster Management team was summoned at 5 am to assist in breaking open locks, and by 6:30 am, the search began in earnest, reportedly lasting around 90 minutes.

During this extensive operation, CID officials reportedly searched from the second floor to the terrace. Despite the thoroughness of the search, the official seizure report concluded that there were no findings, asserting that there was ‘NIL’ evidence encountered during the course of action.

The TMC has vigorously condemned the police’s actions, labelling the operation as an instance of political vendetta. Party members have described the search as intimidation aimed at undermining opposition leaders.

TMC’s Response to the Incident

The Trinamool Congress has openly denounced the police search, asserting that it reflects a deteriorating situation regarding political vendetta. Sagarika Ghose, a Rajya Sabha MP, emphasized the lack of evidence following the operation, denouncing it as an intimidation tactic against Banerjee. According to Ghose, the operation represents a distressing approach to dealing with political dissent.

TMC MP Kirti Azad also expressed criticism online, reiterating the loss of dignity in the actions taken against Banerjee. He stated that the outcomes of the searches reaffirmed their claims of no wrongdoing, which they attribute to a targeted effort against opposition leaders who refuse to yield to pressure from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Furthering the party’s narrative, TMC members have invoked phrases indicating ‘Operation Lotus,’ suggesting that the BJP is attempting to destabilise political opposition through malicious means.

Background to the Investigation

The CID’s presence at Abhishek Banerjee’s residence is part of an ongoing investigation into a signature forgery case. Prior to the search operation, Banerjee had been summoned and questioned for approximately five and a half hours at Bhabani Bhawan, the CID’s headquarters in the Alipore area of Kolkata.

Compounding the situation, the Kolkata Police has reportedly registered an FIR against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. The FIR was lodged at the Hare Street police station on June 7, citing alleged violations of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) regarding provoking public unrest. The complaint, made by Tushar Kanti Das, claims that Mamata Banerjee delivered a misleading statement on March 9, which is believed to have jeopardised community harmony and threatened the state’s democratic structure.

The unfolding circumstances surrounding the TMC leaders have raised concerns within the party, indicating a potential escalation in political tensions as investigations continue. The party’s leadership continues to rally support and denounce what they perceive as targeted actions against them.

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