A political controversy surrounding the nomination process for the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly has intensified after the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe allegations of discrepancies in the signatures of several Trinamool Congress (TMC) legislators.
The investigation stems from complaints that signatures appearing on a document submitted to the Assembly Secretariat in connection with the election of the Leader of the Opposition may not match the signatures officially used by some of the legislators concerned. The allegations have triggered a wider probe into the authenticity of the document and the circumstances under which it was prepared and submitted.
According to sources familiar with the investigation, the SIT has already begun recording statements from several MLAs whose signatures appear on the disputed papers, according to a report by Anandabazaar Patrika. Investigators are examining whether the signatures were genuinely made by the legislators or whether there was any unauthorized use of their names and endorsements.
The controversy erupted after questions were raised over the signatures of multiple TMC lawmakers on documents linked to the opposition leadership selection process. Some legislators reportedly informed investigators that the signatures attributed to them did not resemble their usual signatures, prompting concerns about possible forgery or procedural irregularities.
As part of the probe, CID officials have sought specimen signatures and other supporting documents from the legislators concerned, the report added. Handwriting experts are also expected to assist investigators in comparing the disputed signatures with official records and previously submitted documents.
Sources, as quoted by Anandabazaar Patrika, said the SIT is likely to scrutinize the entire chain of events—from the preparation of the nomination-related documents to their submission before the Assembly Secretariat. Investigators are also examining who had access to the documents and whether established procedures were followed during the process.
Abhishek Banerjee summoned by CID in alleged ‘fake signature’ probe
Meanwhile, TMC MP and national general secretary of the party Abhishek Banerjee was asked to appear at Bengal CID headquarters at Bhavani Bhavan on Monday around 12noon. However, sources close to the Lok Sabha MP informed that he is unable to respond to the summon, citing his physical incapacity following a brutal attack during his scheduled visit to Sonarpur in South 24 Parganas district.
As reported earlier by NTT, a five-member team of CID reached Abhishek Banerjee’s Harish Mukherjee Road residence, 188A Shantiniketan Building, last Saturday to serve the summon notice in connection with the probe regarding alleged discrepancies in the TMC party letter submitted to the Bengal Assembly.
The officials were met by a caretaker of the family who informed that Abhishek Banerjee has not been residing at the aforementioned residence for several days and only visits the residence occasionally.
On hearing about the same from media, Abhishek Banerjee addressed the press saying that “everybody knows I live here (at his Kalighat residence). If anyone has to serve notice, they can come and serve it here.”
Adhering to the mandate of the notice, the CID team reached Banerjee’s Kalighat residence. Reports also suggested, Banerjee had requested for the notice to be left with his personal secretary since he had a scheduled departure to Sonarpur. However, Banerjee eventually came down to receive the summon later dubbing the development as an act of “pressure tactics.”
