TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee grilled for 6 hours by CID in ‘provocative speech’ case

Abhishek Banerjee Subject to 6-Hour CID Interrogation Over Alleged Provocative Remarks

TMC s Abhishek Banerjee grilled for 6 - Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary and Lok Sabha MP Abhishek Banerjee reported to the West Bengal Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Tuesday for questioning in connection with a first information report (FIR) filed against him for making incendiary statements in speeches shared on social media platforms.

Banerjee arrived at the CID headquarters in Kolkata’s Bhabani Bhaban around noon and departed approximately six and a half hours later. He avoided media interactions during the session.

The Bidhannagar police filed an FIR on May 15, alleging that Banerjee made incendiary statements in speeches shared on social media platforms. The FIR was initiated following a complaint by local resident Rajib Sarkar, submitted on May 5, one day after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged victorious in the West Bengal assembly elections.

Earlier this week, Banerjee had undergone an extended 8-hour interrogation by CID investigators in the legislators’ signature forgery case, which followed a five-hour session on June 11. Additionally, on Monday, he faced questioning by the Enforcement Directorate regarding money laundering allegations tied to the primary school recruitment irregularities.

Rajib Sarkar, present at the CID premises on Tuesday, indicated that he might seek legal recourse through the Calcutta High Court.

Legal Measures and Court Directives

Banerjee had previously contested the FIR in the Calcutta High Court. On May 21, the court granted him immunity from coercive measures until July 31, but mandated his physical appearance before the investigating officers and barred him from traveling abroad without judicial approval. His request for virtual attendance was rejected.

“I could approach the Calcutta High Court as well,” Sarkar remarked, highlighting the potential for further legal action.

About the Author

Tanmay Chatterjee, a seasoned journalist with over three decades of experience in reporting on regional and national politics, internal security, intelligence, defense, and corruption, also oversees special features related to elections and festivals.