Abhishek Banerjee Heads to CID Over Signature‑Forgery Probe

On a drizzly Thursday morning, Abhishek Banerjee, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP and son of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, stepped into the Crime Investigation Department (CID) headquarters in Kolkata. He was there not for a routine meet‑and‑greet but to answer a series of questions about a case that has been swirling in the media for weeks – a alleged forgery of a signature on a land‑lease document.

The summons, issued last month, accused Banerjee of having a hand in fabricating the signature of a private individual to facilitate a transaction that allegedly benefited a corporate entity linked to the party’s network. The CID’s notice did not name any specific criminal charge, but it made clear that the investigators wanted to “clarify certain facts.”

Inside the beige‑walled interrogation room, Banerjee, flanked by his legal counsel, answered queries that ranged from the origin of the disputed document to his personal involvement – or lack thereof – in the alleged falsification. When asked directly whether he had ever signed the paperwork in question, the MP replied, “No. I have never signed that document, and I am fully cooperating with the authorities.” He added a measured sigh, as if to underline his willingness to clear the air.

The TMC quickly issued a statement after the meeting, describing the probe as “politically motivated” and urging the police to drop what the party calls a “harassment campaign.” Mamata Banerjee herself, speaking at a press conference later that day, said, “My son is a public servant. He will not hide behind anyone, but he also will not be bullied by baseless allegations.” She appealed for “fair and unbiased investigation,” a refrain that has become almost script‑like in the state’s recent political drama.

Police officials, on the other hand, have been tight‑lipped about the substance of the questioning. A senior CID officer, who asked not to be named, told reporters that the department is simply “collecting statements, verifying documents, and ensuring that due process is followed.” No arrest or charge sheet has been filed, and the investigation remains at a preliminary stage.

Legal experts say the case could become a litmus test for West Bengal’s fraught relationship between the ruling party and law‑enforcement agencies. “If the CID can demonstrate a transparent, evidence‑based inquiry, it might quell some of the political heat,” observed Shweta Roy, a constitutional law scholar at Calcutta University. “Conversely, any hint of partisan bias could fuel further controversy.”

For now, the political fallout is still simmering. Opposition parties have seized the moment, accusing the TMC of trying to shield its own, while the ruling party warns that the episode is part of a larger pattern of “targeted attacks” against its leaders.

Whether this round of questioning will lead to formal charges, or simply fade into the background of Bengal’s relentless political churn, remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the incident has added another layer to an already complex tapestry of power, law, and public perception in the state.