Police raid Abhishek Banerjee's Kolkata residence in West Bengal probe

Police and central forces conducted a pre‑dawn raid on the Kalighat home of Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee in Kolkata, entering the premises after breaking a lock and searching for several hours. The operation, lasting more than four hours, was linked to investigations into a signature‑forgery case concerning the appointment of the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly and alleged financial irregularities.

Investigators also sought the whereabouts of Banerjee’s personal assistant, Sumit Roy, accused of extorting money for election tickets. The CID has repeatedly questioned Banerjee and party MLA Kunal Ghosh, with sessions extending over seven hours. Separately, a complaint was filed at the Siliguri Cyber Cell alleging that Banerjee’s election‑campaign remarks were intimidating and could incite political tension.

The ruling TMC condemned the raid as politically motivated, staging protests outside the residence, while Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee visited the home shortly after the search began. Legal representatives said they would cooperate with the investigation but challenge the operation’s legality.