Sumit Roy, a prominent aide of Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, has been formally booked in a fraud and forgery case in West Bengal's Paschim Medinipur district, a police officer confirmed on Sunday. The development marks a significant escalation in legal scrutiny surrounding Roy, who has been evading authorities for some time.
Complaint and Accusations
According to the police officer, the complainant has accused Roy of cheating and forgery. Former TMC MLA Sujoy Hazra has also been named in the case. Hazra was recently arrested in connection with a separate matter, adding another layer of legal entanglement for the party.
“We are examining the allegations detailed in the complaint and gathering all relevant documents. Each claim will be verified on the basis of evidence, and appropriate legal action will be taken accordingly,” a senior Criminal Investigation Department (CID) official told PTI.
Background of the Investigation
This fresh case comes just days after Roy was implicated in a land-grab case. In response, the West Bengal Police issued a lookout notice and conducted a pre-dawn search operation lasting several hours at Abhishek Banerjee's Kolkata residence in an effort to locate Roy. The police action thrust Roy—previously little known outside TMC circles—into the spotlight of an expanding investigation into alleged land fraud.
Roy, considered one of Banerjee's closest aides, has for years overseen the Diamond Harbour MP's political, administrative, and constituency affairs. His role as a gatekeeper made him a key figure in Banerjee's operations.
Political Context
The developments come against the backdrop of TMC's defeat in the West Bengal assembly elections held in April, which ended the 15-year tenure of party supremo Mamata Banerjee—Abhishek Banerjee's aunt—as the state's chief minister. The legal troubles facing Roy and Hazra underscore the post-election challenges for the party.
The CID official emphasized the importance of evidence-based action, stating that all allegations would be thoroughly examined. The case is expected to unfold as investigators gather more documents and witness statements.
