IT raids reach Mamata Banerjee’s proposer, searches conducted across South Kolkata

The Income Tax Department on Friday carried out searches at the residence of Miraj Shah, one of Mamata Banerjee’s proposers for the Bhabanipur constituency, even as multiple raids were conducted at properties linked to Trinamool Congress leaders across South Kolkata. The development comes amid heightened political tension ahead of the Assembly elections, with central forces deployed during the operation.

Officials reached Miraj Shah’s residence on Elgin Road and began searches, while his close aides and household staff were reportedly questioned. Shah, a trustee board member of the Bhabanipur Education Society College and a known figure in the locality, had been chosen by Mamata Banerjee as one of her proposers during her nomination filing to symbolise communal harmony. The ruling party has alleged that the action is politically motivated.

The searches coincided with ongoing Income Tax operations at the residence of Debashis Kumar, the Rashbehari candidate and outgoing MLA, as well as other locations across the city, including Salt Lake and Middleton Street. Central forces were deployed at these sites, and the coordinated raids have intensified the political atmosphere in Kolkata.

According to officials, the search at Miraj Shah’s residence is linked to allegations in a land-related case involving disputed property and suspected forged documents. However, the Trinamool Congress has strongly contested the timing of the raids, alleging misuse of central agencies ahead of elections. Party leaders have described the action as selective targeting aimed at influencing the electoral process.

Addressing a rally, Mamata Banerjee criticised the role of central agencies and alleged that opposition leaders were being given preferential treatment while her party members were being targeted. She questioned the lack of similar action against leaders from rival parties and accused them of using central forces to create pressure during the election period.