High drama unfolded at Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee’s residence in Kolkata early Saturday morning after police teams and central forces arrived at the spot to search the premises in relation to a case allegedly linked to his bodyguard Sumit Roy.
The gates to the premises were locked and were opened using a gas cutter. The search continued for over two hours before the police and security personnel left, sources said. “Nothing was found,” a senior police officer added.
According to sources, the police were on the lookout for Roy, who is allegedly linked to a land extortion case lodged at the Salboni police station. The police, who had been tracking Roy’s movements for the past few days, allegedly traced his phone location to Abhishek’s residence. This reportedly led to the early morning raid.
Around 3 am, a team of officials from Salboni police station in West Midnapore—led by a deputy superintendent of police and assisted by local police and central forces—reached Abhishek’s Patuapara residence, Kalighat police sources said. They tried to call out to Banerjee’s security to open the gates, which were locked from inside. After repeated knocking went unanswered, after nearly two hours, a gas cutter was brought, and the locks were cut with assistance from state Disaster Management Department officials. The entire search operation was recorded on video.
As news of the search operation spread, former West Bengal chief minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee arrived at the spot. Speaking to reporters later, Abhishek said, ”Yes, they broke the lock and searched the entire premises. Everything is on record.”
Last week, former TMC MLA Sujoy Hazra was arrested on charges of extortion and forgery. In 2021, Hazra allegedly took Rs 10 lakh from a complainant named Imran, promising to deliver houses. Neither did he return the money nor did he stick to his promise. According to police sources, during the investigation, the Salboni police found links between Hazra and Roy.
The development comes at a time when Abhishek is set to make a series of appearances before various investigating agencies.