Kolkata: A major development has emerged in the Salboni land case after West Bengal CID arrested Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee's personal assistant Sumit Roy from the TMC leader's residence. The arrest came shortly after the Supreme Court rejected Roy's anticipatory bail plea, allowing the investigating agency to take further action.
A joint team of the West Bengal CID and Special Task Force (STF) reached Abhishek Banerjee's residence after receiving information that Roy was present there. The agency took him into custody in connection with allegations of land fraud involving government land in Salboni, West Midnapore.
Supreme Court Rejects Protection From Arrest
The arrest followed the Supreme Court's decision to dismiss Sumit Roy's plea seeking protection from arrest. During the hearing, the West Bengal government argued that Roy's custodial interrogation was necessary for the investigation.
The state claimed that large financial transactions were linked to Roy's bank accounts, including deposits amounting to around Rs 15 crore. Investigators also referred to a Rs 71 lakh cash deposit while seeking his custody.
Allegations In Salboni Land Case
The case relates to allegations that government land in Salboni was allegedly converted into private property using forged documents and later sold illegally. The investigating agency is examining the role of several individuals connected to the transactions.
Roy's legal team has denied the allegations, stating that he cooperated with the investigation and appeared before officials whenever required. His lawyers also claimed that his questioning had been recorded.
Earlier Search At Abhishek Banerjee's Residence
This is not the first time investigators have reached Abhishek Banerjee's residence in connection with the case. In June, Salboni police had conducted a late-night search at the TMC leader's Kolkata home while looking for Roy. However, he was not found during that operation.
Roy had earlier approached the Calcutta High Court for anticipatory bail, but his plea was rejected on August 3. The Supreme Court later granted him interim protection while examining his challenge.
After his arrest, Roy is expected to be produced before a Medinipur court, where investigators are likely to seek his custody for further questioning.