TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee reappears before CID in signature forgery probe

The fresh summons comes after Banerjee was questioned for nearly 5.5 hours earlier this week at CID headquarters, during which investigators reportedly sought clarifications on several aspects of the alleged irregularities.

Sources said the CID found some of his responses “not fully satisfactory” and that he is expected to continue answering additional questions during the next round of interrogation.

High Court-directed appearance in ongoing probe

Banerjee’s earlier appearance was made following directions from the Calcutta High Court, which instructed him to cooperate with the investigation and appear before the CID while also granting him interim protection from coercive action for three weeks.

The court order came amid an escalating political and legal battle over the case, which is being closely monitored by investigators.

Signature forgery allegations under scanner

The case pertains to allegations that signatures of TMC legislators were forged on a letter submitted to the West Bengal Assembly Speaker, recommending senior party leader Sovandeb Chattopadhyay as Leader of the Opposition.

The complaint was lodged by TMC MLAs Ritabarta Banerjee and Sandipan Saha, prompting the registration of an FIR and a formal CID investigation into the preparation and submission of the document.

Investigators are currently examining whether proper procedures were followed and how the disputed signatures appeared on the letter dated May 20.

Abhishek Banerjee left the CID office on Thursday night after 5.5 hours of questioning. Photo: IBNS

Earlier summons and related legal battle

Banerjee had earlier skipped three CID summons, citing health concerns before eventually appearing for questioning this week.

The investigation has also triggered a parallel legal dispute, with the Trinamool Congress challenging a CID search operation at a party office near former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s residence in Kolkata’s Kalighat area, conducted on June 9 as part of the same probe.

The investigation remains ongoing, with further questioning scheduled for Sunday as the CID continues to examine the evidence.