Political storm in Bengal as CID searches Mamata Banerjee's residence; TMC cries vendetta

Kolkata: A fresh political confrontation erupted in West Bengal on Tuesday after a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) team conducted a search at the residence of former Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata.

The development triggered sharp reactions from both the ruling Trinamool Congress and the BJP, with the TMC alleging political vendetta and misuse of investigative agencies, while BJP leaders argued that no individual should be above the law.

TMC spokesperson Nilanjan Das claimed that the search yielded no evidence and shared what he described as the official seizure list.

"The @CIDWestBengal raided the residence of former CM @MamataOfficial while she was in Delhi. The media created all the brouhaha. But here's the seizure list from the search: NIL. That says it all. Shame on @BJP4Bengal for this blatant political witch-hunt & abuse of institutions!" he wrote on X.

The search took place while Mamata Banerjee was in New Delhi, where she attended opposition INDIA bloc engagements and met Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

The CID's action quickly became a flashpoint in state politics, with senior TMC leaders gathering outside Banerjee's residence and questioning the timing of the operation.

TMC leader Kunal Ghosh criticised the move, saying, "We condemn this; we are all law-abiding citizens. Everyone knows she has a program in Delhi right now for the INDIA bloc meeting and another important engagement. What is happening here in her absence? I tried to go inside, but the CID is not allowing it. It is not right for democracy that CID and central forces are at Mamata Banerjee's residence while she is away in Delhi."

Party leader Madan Mitra also defended Banerjee and called the development unfortunate.

"This is very unfortunate. Mamata Banerjee isn't the type to run away. The police stated that an investigation is underway and warned that if we entered, it would amount to non-cooperation. So, we are cooperating."

TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee questioned the legality of the search and alleged political targeting.

"This is not in accordance with the law. No FIR has been lodged against Mamata Banerjee, nor has she been called as a witness anywhere. This is a vindictive attitude initiated by CM Suvendu Adhikari. They just want to harass Mamata Banerjee."

Meanwhile, TMC Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien accused authorities of deliberately timing the action to coincide with Mamata Banerjee's Delhi visit.

"Political vendetta shamelessly timed! EXACTLY AT THE SAME TIME as @AITCofficial Chairperson @MamataOfficial was having a meeting today in Delhi with Mrs Sonia Gandhi, CID was forcefully trying to enter the AITC party HQ adjoining residence in Kolkata. First loot vote, now loot files of a political rival. Democracy? Main entrance overloaded with CRPF."

BJP backs probe, calls for accountability

The BJP, however, defended the investigation and said the action reflected the rule of law.

West Bengal minister Agnimitra Paul said, "It only shows that nobody is above the Constitution, and nobody is above the law of the land. Mamata Banerjee, as an ex-Chief Minister, tolerated criminals, corruption, and whatnot for the last fifteen years. She never cared for the Constitution. She acted as if West Bengal were another country and she were the Prime Minister of that country. So today, CID is acting, and everyone involved will be brought to book, and the public will be given justice."

She further added, "The people of Bengal were cheated because of her. The way she spoke against the country, demeaned the central forces, the Prime Minister, and even the Honourable President, she should be booked, she should be arrested."

BJP MP Manoj Tigga also supported the investigation.

"The former Chief Minister has been the focal point of all the malpractices that have occurred over the last fifteen years, be it major scams, the education scam, or any of the recruitment drives. That is why the CID has gone there. No one is above the law. Whoever has committed a legal wrongdoing, if they have acted unlawfully, will certainly face arrest."

BJP MLA Sajal Ghosh launched a scathing attack on the TMC leadership.

"CID has gone to the house of the thieves' Didi... TMC is finished... Ever since Didi brought her nephew in 2016, she has changed."

The search comes amid an ongoing investigation into an alleged forgery case linked to Trinamool Congress legislators. Last week, a CID team also visited the residence of TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.

The state CID has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe allegations that signatures of TMC MLAs were forged in connection with a party resolution submitted to the West Bengal Assembly.

The case was originally registered at Hare Street Police Station under provisions related to cheating, forgery and criminal conspiracy before being transferred to the CID on May 28.