Kolkata, 03 July (H.S.) : A fresh criminal case has been registered against Trinamool Congress national general secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee over alleged irregularities in the operation of his flagship Sebashray health camps in Diamond Harbour.
The case was registered by Diamond Harbour Police Station following a complaint lodged by Sukdeb Das, a resident of Raynagar. The complainant has alleged that the health camps were operated without the mandatory statutory approvals and functioned as unauthorized medical establishments.
According to the complaint, the camps allegedly used medical equipment, medicines and diagnostic devices without the required legal permissions. It has also been alleged that radioactive materials were used illegally during the operation of the camps, raising concerns over public health and safety.
Based on the complaint, police have registered cases against Abhishek Banerjee and others under various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy.
Apart from the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, offences have also been invoked under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, Atomic Energy Act, National Medical Commission Act, Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, and the West Bengal Clinical Establishments Act.
The complainant has alleged that Abhishek Banerjee and others conspired to operate unauthorized medical facilities at different locations on multiple occasions. The complaint further claims that the camps provided medical services illegally, used medicines and diagnostic equipment without authorization, and thereby exposed the public to potential health and safety risks.
Police have initiated an investigation into the allegations, including charges of criminal conspiracy and acts allegedly endangering public safety. The Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Diamond Harbour has taken charge of the investigation. Officials said the allegations are being verified and further legal action will depend on the findings of the probe.
The Sebashray initiative was launched by Abhishek Banerjee in his parliamentary constituency during the Trinamool Congress government. The camps provided free medical treatment and attracted patients not only from different parts of West Bengal but also from other states. The programme had gained considerable popularity, and Banerjee had earlier expressed plans to expand similar health camps to other parts of the state.
The latest FIR comes amid a series of legal and investigative proceedings involving the Trinamool MP following the Assembly elections. He is already facing a case over his alleged DJ campaign remark, while the CID has questioned him in connection with an alleged Assembly signature forgery case. Investigators had also conducted a late-night operation at his Kalighat residence while searching for one of his close associates. In a separate case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has questioned him in connection with the alleged primary teacher recruitment scam.
On Thursday night, Banerjee alleged through social media that at least 25 people associated with him and his office had been harassed by the police over the past two weeks. He claimed that several individuals had been summoned or taken from their homes and pressured to give statements against him.
With the registration of the latest case over the alleged illegal operation of the Sebashray health camps, Abhishek Banerjee is now facing another investigation as police examine the allegations and determine the course of further legal action.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
