Kolkata, 30 May (H.S.) : A team of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Saturday visited the south Kolkata residence of Trinamool Congress National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee. The officials, accompanied by a videographer, arrived at his Harish Mukherjee Road residence, but were informed by staff members that Banerjee was not at home.

According to sources, the four-member CID team reached Banerjee’s residence, named “Santiniketan,” as part of an ongoing investigation. Employees present at the house told the officials that Banerjee had not visited the residence in recent days and that only staff members were currently present. The officers spoke with the employees and gathered preliminary information.

Meanwhile, TMC MLA Kunal Ghosh stated that Banerjee was at his residence on Ram Mohan Roy Road at the time. According to Ghosh, Banerjee had met the family members of a Trinamool worker who was allegedly killed in post-poll violence in the Beleghata area. During the meeting, Banerjee listened to the family’s grievances and assured them of all possible assistance.

Although the CID has not officially disclosed the purpose of its visit, it is believed to be linked to an investigation into alleged irregularities in signatures on a letter submitted by the Trinamool Congress Legislative Party to the West Bengal Assembly. Sources indicated that a notice could also be served to Banerjee in connection with the probe.

The controversy stems from a letter sent to the Assembly following a meeting of the Trinamool Legislature Party after the Assembly election results were declared. During the meeting, party chief Mamata Banerjee was authorised to decide the names of the Leader of the Opposition, deputy leaders and chief whip. A subsequent communication sent to the Assembly bore the signature of Abhishek Banerjee in his capacity as the party’s National General Secretary. Questions were later raised regarding the authenticity of certain legislators’ signatures on the document.

The CID is assisting Kolkata Police in the investigation. As part of the probe, CID officers have already visited the residences of several Trinamool legislators, including Nayana Bandyopadhyay, Kunal Ghosh, Baharul Islam and Tapas Maiti.

CID officials were unable to meet Abhishek Banerjee during Saturday’s visit. After being informed of his absence, the team remained outside the residence for some time before leaving. The investigation is ongoing.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh