Kolkata: The Bengal police on Friday initiated a probe into three accounts belonging to the Trinamool Congress at HDFC Bank under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to organised crime, cheating, and criminal conspiracy, as well as provisions of the Information Technology Act. The investigation follows a complaint lodged by rebel MLA Biswanath Das. Police have directed the bank authorities to freeze withdrawals from these accounts.
Background of the Investigation
The probe was ordered a day after it emerged that former state minister Aroop Biswas had written to HDFC Bank a week ago, requesting the freezing of the party's accounts. In his complaint filed with the Cybercrime Wing of the Bidhannagar Commissionerate, Das sought a thorough investigation into the source and movement of funds through the accounts at HDFC Bank's Central Plaza branch in Kolkata.
Audit Report Reveals Large Sums
According to an audit report submitted by the party to the Election Commission, the three accounts collectively hold Rs 535 crore. The audited financial statements, up to March 31, 2025, indicate that the party's funds deposited in various accounts totalled Rs 1,018.8 crore. The report, signed by Biswas as treasurer, revealed that over half of the party's funds were parked at the Central Plaza branch. Biswas was removed from the treasurer's post on June 5.
Das, who won the Joynagar seat on a Trinamool ticket before defecting to the faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee, alleged that money from unknown sources had been deposited into these accounts. He also claimed there were indications that funds generated from illegal activities had been channelled through electronic platforms into the three accounts.
Police Actions and Statements
“The MLA has requested us to investigate whether digital communication systems and online banking mechanisms were used to facilitate and conceal the movement of funds. He has also urged us to preserve banking records, account statements, and electronic transaction data linked to the accounts,” said an officer. Cops stated that a preliminary inquiry has been initiated to determine the origin of funds, the identity of contributors, and whether any transactions involved proceeds from unlawful activities.
Sleuths will also examine the transaction trail and the role of digital platforms, if any, in facilitating the movement of funds, sources added. Das said in his complaint that while he did not know the details of the source of the funds or the identities of those involved, the circumstances warranted an immediate inquiry. When contacted by TOI, Das declined to share further details about the complaint.
Reactions from Political Figures
Ritabrata Banerjee, who leads the rebel MLAs in the Bengal assembly, stated, “Several of our MLAs have filed FIRs seeking a probe into the matter and demanding that the transactions be stopped. Let the investigators find out where the money came from and how it entered those accounts.” In contrast, TMC Beleghata MLA Kunal Ghosh, a loyalist of Mamata Banerjee, questioned the motive of the complainant. “If a party MLA thinks some wrongdoing has taken place, he must have received some information. What should have been more important to him — seeking legal action or handing ammunition to the opposition?” Ghosh remarked.
Stay updated with the latest Kolkata news. Download the TOI App.
