Supreme Court rejects bail for Abhishek Banerjee's aide in land case

The Supreme Court of India has dismissed the anticipatory bail plea of Sumit Roy, the personal assistant to Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee. The ruling vacates a previous interim stay on Roy’s arrest, allowing for his potential custodial interrogation in connection with the Salboni land grab case.

The investigation involves the alleged illegal seizure, fraudulent transfer, and sale of government land in the Salboni area of West Bengal’s Paschim Medinipur district. Prosecutors allege that the proceeds from these land sales were deposited into the TMC’s accounts. The case includes charges of cheating, criminal breach of trust, forgery, and criminal conspiracy.

During the proceedings, defense counsel argued that Roy had undergone extensive questioning without incriminating evidence being found in his personal accounts. However, the court bench, comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana, declined to interfere with a prior Calcutta High Court decision that had also denied pre-arrest protection.