The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) conducted a search at the Kalighat residence of former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the office of her successor Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday afternoon. A 30-member team of police and central forces participated in the operation.
The search was initiated following allegations of forgery of several legislators' signatures on a petition submitted to the Speaker for the election of the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly. Trinamool Congress rebel MLA Ritabrata Banerjee filed a complaint against the alleged forgery, leading to the CID investigation.
Political analysts believe that internal discontent within the party is responsible for Mamata's current predicament. The Trinamool Congress, which won only 80 seats in the recent assembly elections, is facing an existential crisis. Political circles are discussing Mamata's loss of control over her party following the loss of power and public rebellion by legislators.
Abhishek Banerjee was summoned to appear at the CID headquarters but did not show up, defying the summons for the third time.
