A fresh criminal case has been registered against former Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee in Diamond Harbour, this time over alleged irregularities in his flagship 'Sebashray' healthcare camps.
According to the complaint, the camps allegedly operated without mandatory approvals, while medical equipment, medicines and diagnostic devices were used illegally. The complaint also alleges the unauthorised use of radioactive materials during health services provided at the camps.
The case was initiated following a complaint filed by Sukdeb Das, a resident of Raynagar. Acting on the complaint, Diamond Harbour Police have registered an FIR against Banerjee and others under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy.
The FIR also invokes provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, Atomic Energy Act, National Medical Commission Act, PCPNDT Act, and the West Bengal Clinical Establishments Act.
In his complaint, Das alleged that Banerjee and others "entered into a criminal conspiracy to operate unauthorised medical centres at various locations," where they allegedly provided medical services without legal sanction and used medicines, diagnostic equipment and other medical devices unlawfully. He further claimed that the alleged activities "posed a serious risk to public health and public safety."
Police have launched an investigation into the allegations. The Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Diamond Harbour has been entrusted with the probe, and officials said further legal action will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
The Sebashray initiative, launched by Banerjee in his Diamond Harbour parliamentary constituency during the Trinamool Congress government, had gained popularity for offering free healthcare services, attracting patients from across West Bengal and even neighbouring states. Banerjee had earlier said the model would be expanded to other parts of the state.
The latest FIR comes amid a series of legal challenges facing the former MP since the Assembly election. He has already been named in multiple investigations, including cases related to alleged provocative remarks, the Assembly signature forgery probe, and the alleged primary teacher recruitment scam. He has also alleged that police have been targeting his associates.
On Thursday night, Banerjee claimed on social media that "at least 25 people associated with me and my office have been harassed over the past two weeks." He alleged that several individuals had been summoned or taken from their homes and were being "pressured to record statements" against him.
The allegations in the Sebashray case are yet to be established in court, and the investigation is currently underway.
