Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee is facing escalating legal challenges after a fresh criminal case was registered against him in connection with the ‘Sebaashray’ health initiative in his Diamond Harbour constituency.
The case was lodged at Diamond Harbour police station based on a written complaint filed by a local resident, Sukhdev Das of Raynagar. The complaint alleges that full-fledged medical centres were being operated within the camps without proper administrative approval or legal authorisation. It further raises serious concerns regarding the alleged illegal use of medical equipment, medicines, and even “radioactive substances.”
According to the FIR, Banerjee and his associates are accused of engaging in a criminal conspiracy to run these health camps without requisite permissions, allegedly employing fraudulent means to deliver medical services. The complaint claims that the use of unauthorised medicines and diagnostic tools posed a significant risk to public health and safety.
Based on these allegations, police have registered the case under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections related to fraud and forgery. In addition, charges have been invoked under several stringent laws such as the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, the Atomic Energy Act, the National Medical Commission Act, and the PC-PNDT Act.
Given the gravity of the accusations, the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Diamond Harbour has personally taken charge of the investigation. Police sources indicated that further legal steps will depend on the verification of documents and the credibility of the claims made in the complaint.
The ‘Sebaashray’ camps were launched by Banerjee during the tenure of the TMC government and had gained considerable attention for offering free medical treatment and medicines. The initiative drew large crowds, including patients from outside the district and even neighbouring states, owing to the availability of modern healthcare services at no cost. Encouraged by its apparent success, Banerjee had earlier announced plans to expand the model across the state.
However, following the party’s electoral setback and the subsequent political shift in West Bengal, Banerjee has found himself increasingly entangled in legal controversies.
A separate case related to alleged provocative remarks during the election campaign—linked to statements about the playing of ‘DJ’ music—remains pending against him. He has also been questioned by the CID in connection with an alleged forgery involving a Legislative Assembly signature. In another incident, police reportedly conducted a late-night search at his Kalighat residence in connection with an investigation involving one of his aides.
Additionally, Banerjee has previously faced questioning by the Enforcement Directorate in relation to the primary teacher recruitment scam.
Just a day before the latest case surfaced, Banerjee took to social media alleging that police had harassed at least 25 members of his staff over the past two weeks. He claimed that some were summoned without notice while others were picked up from their homes, and alleged that authorities were attempting to coerce them into giving statements against him.
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