South 24 Parganas, 19 September (H.S.): The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has issued a fresh summons to Trinamool Congress MLA Paresh Ram Das of Canning Paschim in connection with a case related to alleged violence during the 2023 Panchayat elections. He has been directed to appear before the CID at Bhawani Bhavan in Kolkata at 12 noon on September 21. This is reportedly the fourth summons issued to the MLA in the case.

The case relates to allegations of attacks and bombings during the 2023 Panchayat elections. There were also allegations that opposition candidates and supporters were prevented from participating in the electoral process. Paresh Ram Das has previously denied the allegations.

As per information, the CID had summoned the MLA on three earlier occasions, but he did not appear personally. Instead, he reportedly communicated with the investigating officers through his lawyer. The latest summons was issued on Saturday.

Meanwhile, another complaint against the MLA has also become part of the broader investigation. A woman has alleged that ahead of the 2023 Panchayat elections, Paresh Ram Das demanded Rs 4 lakh, allegedly promising to help her husband secure a Panchayat membership ticket. She further alleged that after she refused to comply with the demand, she was confined and assaulted. These allegations remain subject to investigation.

The woman reportedly approached the police after the alleged incident but claimed that no case was registered at the time. Nearly three years later, following a change in the state government, she approached the authorities again and submitted a written complaint to the Canning Sub-Divisional Police Officer. Based on the complaint, Canning Police registered a case and began an investigation.

The CID subsequently issued summons to the MLA as part of its investigation. The question of what further legal action may follow if he does not appear on September 21 is now being discussed. However, whether an arrest will take place cannot be established solely on the basis of the summons and would depend on the investigating agency's subsequent action and applicable legal procedures.

Paresh Ram Das is the sitting MLA from Canning Paschim. His 2026 election affidavit records nine pending criminal cases, with no conviction listed.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey