Abhishek Banerjee skips CID summons again:Seeks more time citing INDIA bloc meet,CID serves third notice in assembly signature forgery probe

Trinamool Congress national general secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee on Monday skipped a CID summons for the second time in connection with the alleged Assembly signature forgery case, citing political commitments in New Delhi and the pending hearing before the Calcutta High Court. Abhishek skips CID summons for second time According to sources in the CID, Banerjee sent a communication seeking more time to appear before investigators. He reportedly informed the agency that he was occupied with pre-scheduled political engagements, including meetings related to the INDIA bloc, and that the matter is currently under consideration before the Calcutta High Court. The case is listed for hearing on June 10. Third summons served Following his failure to appear, a CID team visited Banerjee’s residence and served a fresh notice. Investigators have now issued a third summons, directing him to appear before the agency by 5 pm on Tuesday. Forgery probe continues to intensify The political controversy erupted after TMC MLAs Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha lodged a complaint with the Speaker of the West Bengal Assembly, alleging that an official party resolution dated May 6 had been fabricated. According to the complaint, no such resolution had been adopted on that date. The legislators also raised questions over several signatures appearing in block letters on the document. FIR registered, SIT begins investigation After a preliminary inquiry by the Assembly’s Principal Secretary, an FIR was registered at Hare Street Police Station. The investigation was subsequently handed over to the CID, which constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) headed by a DIG-rank officer. Three MLAs dispute signatures on document During the course of the probe, statements of 13 TMC MLAs were recorded. Three legislators, Baharul Islam, Arup Roy and Subhasis Das, reportedly disowned the signatures attributed to them in the disputed document. Opposition attack deepens ruling party crisis The controversy took a political turn after Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari highlighted the alleged discrepancies during a press conference. Soon afterwards, the Trinamool Congress expelled Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha from the party, accusing them of anti-party activities. June 10 hearing now under spotlight Banerjee has already challenged the CID summons before the Calcutta High Court. With the June 10 hearing approaching and the TMC leader attending political meetings in Delhi, all eyes are now on whether he complies with the latest CID notice or awaits judicial relief. ​