Abhishek Banerjee appears before CID in MLA signature forgery case

Kolkata: Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee reached the Criminal Investigation Department's (CID) headquarters on Thursday in connection with a case involving the alleged mismatch of MLAs' signatures for the selection of the leader of the opposition. Meanwhile, on Thursday, the Calcutta High Court gave conditional interim protection from any coercive action, including arrest, to Banerjee.

The interrogation was going on as of press time.

The court had directed Banerjee to appear before the CID at its Bhavani Bhawan headquarters by 6 pm on Thursday. Banerjee arrived in Kolkata by a late afternoon flight and reached the CID headquarters before time. Abhishek had skipped three consecutive CID summons, citing illness and official commitments in Delhi.


A case was filed after complaints were made by some Trinamool MLAs alleging that the signatures of several legislators were forged and submitted to the West Bengal assembly.

KALYAN BANERJEE SLAMS ABHISHEK, NOT TO APPEAR FOR HIM

Four-time Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha MP and senior advocate Kalyan Banerjee, on Thursday, said he would not appear for Abhishek Banerjee in court and blamed Banerjee for the entire debacle. On Thursday, Abhishek Banerjee was represented by advocate Ayan Bhattacharya before the single-judge vacation bench of Justice Kaushik Chanda.

Kalyan Banerjee told media persons that his decision to stay away from representing Abhishek Banerjee has been prompted by the latter's arrogant behaviour.

"I have decided not to represent any legal matters concerning Abhishek Banerjee. His arrogance is unimaginable. Last night, he called up my son and said that some other advocate, much junior to me, will represent him at the hearing," Banerjee told media persons.

Kalyan Banerjee said former chief minister Mamata Banerjee has to choose between Abhishek Banerjee and others loyal to her.

Incorrect news": Kirti Azad dismisses TMC-Congress merger

Trinamool MP Kirti Azad on Thursday rejected any reports of a potential merger between the TMC and the Congress, terming them "incorrect," reiterating that the party will contest the upcoming elections as part of a planned alliance.