The investigation into the alleged signature forgery case took a dramatic turn on Tuesday as a special team of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), West Bengal, carried out search operations at key Trinamool Congress (TMC) offices in Kolkata. In a coordinated move, one CID team reached the party’s central office at 30B Harish Chatterjee Street in Kalighat—located adjacent to the residence of former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee—while another team conducted a parallel search at an office on Camac Street. The searches reportedly began in the afternoon as part of efforts to gather crucial documents and evidence related to the case.
Around 3:15 pm, a large CID contingent, including female officers, arrived at the Kalighat office and quickly cordoned off the area. According to investigators, prior notice had been issued in connection with the probe. "In response, Abhishek Banerjee, the party’s General Secretary, had reportedly stated in writing that the signatures of MLAs in question were collected at the central office. This disclosure prompted the decision to search the premises," said a CID officer.
However, the CID team initially encountered resistance upon arrival. With both Mamata and Abhishek currently in Delhi, the office was under the supervision of former Rajya Sabha MP Subhashis Chakraborty. He declined to grant permission for the search, citing the absence of the concerned leaders.
A tense standoff ensued between Chakraborty and the investigating officers. While the CID maintained that they possessed valid legal authorisation to proceed with the search, Chakraborty argued that, as a caretaker, he lacked the authority to allow entry in the leaders’ absence.
The situation remained deadlocked for nearly an hour before central forces arrived at the scene. Subsequently, the CID team gained entry into the premises and began examining documents and digital records. Sources indicate that several materials relevant to the investigation are being scrutinised.
Meanwhile, the search at Abhishek's Camac Street office also proceeded, with investigators reportedly looking for additional evidence linked to the alleged forgery.
Speaking to the media, Chakraborty denied obstructing the investigation. He said that he had merely requested the officers to return when the individual addressed in the notice—Abhishek Banerjee—was present. “I have not obstructed any investigation. I am overseeing the office in a voluntary capacity and cannot permit entry in the absence of the leadership,” he said, adding that full cooperation would be extended once the concerned authority returned.
The CID, however, has made its position clear--all possible leads in the signature forgery case will be pursued. Officials emphasised that the searches at both Kalighat and Camac Street are part of a broader effort to uncover the truth behind the allegations.
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