IT raid at TMC leader Kumar Saha’s Kalighat residence, central forces deployed

An Income Tax raid at the residence of Trinamool Congress leader Kumar Saha in Kalighat on Friday morning triggered tension in the area, with central forces deployed outside and party workers staging protests. Officials began searching his house near Greek Church early in the day, but the exact reason behind the operation has not yet been disclosed. The presence of central security personnel and the sudden nature of the raid drew a large crowd of supporters, who questioned the action.

Kumar Saha, a businessman by profession, is known to be an influential Trinamool figure in South Kolkata. As news of the raid spread, party workers and local supporters gathered outside his residence and began protesting, alleging a lack of clarity regarding the basis of the search. The situation remained tense as officials continued their operation under heavy security deployment.

The development comes close on the heels of a similar Income Tax search conducted at the residence and election office of Trinamool leader Debashis Kumar in the Rashbehari area. Multiple locations, including his house on Manoharpukur Road and a party office on Motilal Nehru Road, were searched. Around the same time, another team initiated the operation in Kalighat, although it is not yet clear whether the two raids are directly linked.

Sources indicate that Kumar Saha shares close ties with Debashis Kumar and holds significant influence within the party in South Kolkata, particularly in areas like Hazra and Rashbehari. He has a long political journey, having moved between the Congress and Trinamool Congress before rejoining the latter. His prominence reportedly increased after 2014, and he is known for his role in mobilising crowds for party events and maintaining connections with senior leaders.