Calcutta High Court orders CBI probe into illegal Kolkata constructions

The Calcutta High Court has ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe allegations of large-scale illegal high-rise constructions in Kolkata. The investigation focuses on claims that real estate projects in areas such as Rajabazar, Maniktala, Beleghata, and Canal East Road are being used to launder massive amounts of black money and facilitate illegal foreign currency investments.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Rabindra V. Ghuge and Justice Tapobrata Chakraborty noted that at least 50 illegal buildings have been identified. The court raised serious questions regarding the role of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, questioning why no proactive measures were taken despite previous reports confirming the illegality of these structures. The court directed the CBI to investigate whether municipal officials were directly or indirectly involved in these activities.

The CBI has been authorized to proceed with the investigation without waiting for specific state government permission and has been granted the power to form a Special Investigation Team (SIT) if necessary. The agency is required to submit a preliminary investigation report to the court by October 14.