CID contacts airport authorities as Abhishek Banerjee skips third summons in forgery probe

CID officials have reportedly contacted airport authorities to monitor the movements of Trinamool Congress National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee after he failed to appear before investigators for the third time in connection with the alleged forged-signature case. Abhishek informed the agency that he was in Delhi and requested additional time, while also stating that he had approached the Calcutta High Court regarding the matter. A hearing on his petition seeking protection from coercive action was expected on Wednesday.

The latest development comes after CID issued three separate notices seeking Abhishek Banerjee’s appearance for questioning. According to available information, he initially cited illness, later referred to official commitments, and most recently informed investigators that he was outside Kolkata and had moved the High Court. Despite the notices, he has not appeared before the agency in connection with the ongoing investigation.

As part of the probe, CID officers on Tuesday searched the Trinamool Congress headquarters adjacent to Mamata Banerjee’s residence in Kalighat. Investigators were reportedly looking for records related to a disputed proposal document connected to the nomination of Sovandeb Chattopadhyay as Leader of the Opposition. The search formed part of the agency’s efforts to collect documents and evidence linked to the case.

The controversy originated after a proposal carrying the signatures of 70 MLAs was submitted to the Assembly in support of Sovandeb Chattopadhyay’s nomination as Leader of the Opposition. Questions were later raised after alleged discrepancies were noticed between signatures on the submitted document and signatures recorded on other official documents. Following the filing of an FIR, CID began an investigation and questioned several MLAs regarding the matter.

Separate legal developments have also emerged in connection with the case. A petition has been filed before the High Court challenging the CID search at the party office near Mamata Banerjee’s residence, alleging procedural irregularities during the operation. Meanwhile, investigators continue to examine documents and statements collected during the course of the forged-signature investigation.