CID issues third summons to Abhishek Banerjee as Bengal signature forgery row deepens

Kolkata: The West Bengal Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has issued a third summons to Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, directing him to appear for questioning on June 9 in connection with the alleged forgery of legislators' signatures on a resolution submitted to the state assembly.

The latest summons comes after Banerjee reportedly did not appear before investigators on two previous occasions. According to officials, he initially sought additional time citing health reasons and later did not attend the scheduled questioning despite travelling to Delhi for an opposition INDIA bloc meeting.

The case centres on allegations that signatures of several TMC legislators were forged on a May 19 resolution that nominated Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay as the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly. The complaint was filed by rebel legislators Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha, prompting Assembly Speaker Rathindra Nath Bose to seek a police investigation.

Why Abhishek Banerjee is under scrutiny

Investigators are examining Banerjee's role because he reportedly forwarded the disputed resolution to the Speaker. While no formal charges have been announced against him, his involvement in the submission process has made him a key figure in the CID probe.

The controversy comes at a politically sensitive time for the TMC following its defeat in the recent West Bengal Assembly election, where the BJP secured a commanding majority. The resulting internal turmoil has led to growing divisions within the party and a series of high-profile defections.

Speaker recognises rebel group

On June 3, the Assembly Speaker recognised a group of 58 rebel TMC legislators as the principal opposition bloc in the 294-member House. The move significantly altered the political landscape in the state and strengthened the position of dissident lawmakers.

Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha, who raised the forgery allegations, were expelled from the TMC shortly before the recognition of the rebel faction. They now serve as Leader of the Opposition and Deputy Leader of the Opposition respectively.

Signs of further cracks within TMC

Political observers are closely watching developments within the ruling party as more leaders appear to be distancing themselves from the TMC leadership.

Former Kolkata mayor and senior TMC leader Firhad Hakim met Ritabrata Banerjee at the Assembly on Monday, sparking speculation about further realignments. Although Hakim declined to comment publicly, the meeting fuelled rumours that additional legislators could join the rebel camp.

Ritabrata claimed that more MLAs were preparing to shift allegiance and suggested the opposition bloc's strength would continue to grow in the coming days.

Separate troubles for former minister Aroop Biswas

The developments coincide with another challenge for the TMC leadership. Police are searching for former sports minister Aroop Biswas, who has been summoned in connection with allegations surrounding the controversial Lionel Messi India GOAT Tour event held in December 2025.

Authorities said Biswas failed to appear for questioning despite being summoned. The investigation stems from allegations that organisers and spectators were misled after the high-profile event ended without Messi appearing before ticket holders.

The latest CID action against Abhishek Banerjee adds to mounting political pressure on the TMC as it grapples with internal dissent, legal scrutiny and a rapidly changing power equation in West Bengal.