Key Facts
Kolkata, June 15: The West Bengal Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Monday visited the State Assembly to gather evidence in the alleged forgery of MLAs' signatures related to the appointment of the Leader of Opposition. A team of CID officers arrived at the Assembly around 2 pm and approached the Speaker's Secretariat to obtain a copy of the party resolution that named the Trinamool Congress (TMC) nominee for the post.
The CID has been searching for this resolution document for several weeks, considering it crucial to the investigation.
Details of the Probe
A senior CID official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated, "The investigation is progressing on multiple fronts. We are examining documentary evidence, verifying statements and trying to establish the complete sequence of events." He added, "Certain inconsistencies noticed during questioning are being looked into carefully."
Monday's development follows the questioning of TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on two occasions. Several MLAs have also been examined. On Sunday, investigators conducted a joint questioning of Abhishek Banerjee and TMC leader Kunal Ghosh, reportedly confronting them face-to-face.
Search for the Resolution
Last week, CID teams searched the TMC office adjacent to former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's residence but failed to recover the document. They also searched Abhishek Banerjee's office on Camac Street in south Kolkata. Sources said Banerjee was repeatedly asked about the resolution's whereabouts but maintained he was unaware of it.
Following the joint questioning, investigators decided to widen their search, leading to Monday's Assembly visit. "The resolution document is considered important to the investigation. We are collecting all available records and information from relevant institutions to ascertain the facts," the CID official added.
Background of the Case
On May 6, TMC legislators met at Mamata Banerjee's Kalighat residence and proposed Sovandeb Chattopadhyay for the Leader of Opposition post. Support was expressed by a show of hands, but the formal proposal was not immediately submitted. After MLAs were sworn in on May 13 and 14, the Assembly Secretariat sought a resolution from the party. A fresh meeting on May 19 produced a document with signatures of 70 legislators supporting Chattopadhyay, which was submitted to the Assembly.
Discrepancies were later noticed between signatures on different documents submitted by TMC MLAs, leading to an FIR and CID probe. Several legislators have already been questioned.
What Readers Should Know
- The CID is focusing on the resolution document as key evidence.
- Abhishek Banerjee and Kunal Ghosh have been questioned multiple times.
- The case involves alleged forgery of MLAs' signatures to appoint the Leader of Opposition.
- The investigation is ongoing, with more searches and questioning expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did CID visit West Bengal Assembly?
CID visited to collect a copy of the party resolution naming TMC's nominee for Leader of Opposition, which is key evidence in the signature forgery case.
Who has been questioned in this case?
Abhishek Banerjee, Kunal Ghosh, and several TMC MLAs have been questioned by CID.
What is the allegation in the case?
Allegations of forgery of MLAs' signatures on documents submitted to the Assembly for appointing the Leader of Opposition.
Source: www.thehindu.com