A fresh political storm erupted in West Bengal after Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee publicly challenged allegations surrounding a police search at his Kolkata residence, insisting that investigators had already examined the premises and found nothing.
The dramatic exchange unfolded after a team of police officers reportedly arrived at Banerjee’s residence in the early hours of Saturday while searching for his personal secretary, Sumit Roy, who is being investigated in a separate case.
Predawn Search Triggers Political Buzz
According to reports, officers conducted a search operation at the residence as part of efforts to trace Roy, whose name has surfaced in an ongoing investigation involving alleged financial irregularities.
The operation quickly became a major political talking point, with journalists gathering outside the residence seeking answers from the senior TMC leader.
“Ask the Investigating Agency”
Responding sharply to questions about Roy’s whereabouts, Banerjee rejected suggestions that he was responsible for explaining the investigation.
“I am not a representative of the investigating agency,” he told reporters.
When asked whether Roy had been sheltered at his residence, Banerjee pointed to the police search itself as evidence that authorities had already examined the matter.
“Whether I have hidden him or not, my entire house has been searched. Ask the representatives of the investigating agency,” he said.
Sharp Exchange With Reporter
The interaction grew tense as reporters continued pressing him for answers.
In one pointed remark directed at a journalist, Banerjee said, “If needed, leave Republic and join the investigating agency,” suggesting that questions related to the probe should be addressed directly to officials handling the case.
The comments quickly circulated on social media, adding further fuel to an already heated political debate.
Probe Linked to Financial Allegations
Investigators are reportedly examining alleged financial transactions connected to a wider inquiry involving political figures and suspected irregularities.
Sources indicated that Roy was not present when the police team carried out the search operation.
Authorities are also believed to be scrutinising financial records and links that emerged during the course of the investigation.
Roy Previously Faced Agency Questioning
Roy has previously been questioned by central agencies in separate investigations that drew significant political attention in West Bengal.
Those inquiries were linked to alleged recruitment-related irregularities and other cases that have remained under scrutiny over the past few years.
TMC Alleges Political Targeting
The latest developments have once again intensified the confrontation between the Trinamool Congress and its political opponents.
While investigators continue their probe, TMC leaders have maintained that opposition figures and individuals associated with them are being selectively targeted through repeated investigations and searches.
With the search operation, Banerjee’s strong reaction and the ongoing probe dominating headlines, the controversy is expected to remain at the centre of Bengal’s political discourse in the coming days.
