ED Intensifies Investigation into TMC MLA Debasish Kumar Over Alleged Land-Grabbing
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has significantly escalated its probe into Trinamool Congress MLA Debasish Kumar concerning an alleged land-grabbing and illegal construction case in Kolkata. The agency has questioned Kumar multiple times, while the Income Tax Department conducted simultaneous raids at his residence and election office on Friday.
Multiple Summons and Raids Conducted
Kumar, who is seeking re-election from the Rashbehari Assembly constituency in south Kolkata, was summoned by the ED on April 1, 3, and 9. He appeared before investigators at the CGO Complex in Salt Lake on all three occasions. In a parallel development, Income Tax officials searched Kumar’s residence on Manoharpukur Road and his election office early Friday morning, with operations commencing around 6 am.
Connection to Real Estate Firm and FIRs
The ED investigation is linked to approximately 17 FIRs filed against a real estate firm accused of defrauding investors by promising high returns. Earlier searches were conducted on March 28 at the company’s office and the residences of its officials, during which Kumar’s name allegedly emerged. Agency sources indicate that investigators are examining allegations that a construction group encroached on land parcels across south Kolkata with alleged municipal assistance.
Probe into Property Records and Forged Documents
Officials are probing whether businessman Amit Gangopadhyay and his associates obtained disputed property records, created forged documents for contested land parcels, and sold them at inflated prices. Some of the properties under scrutiny are reportedly linked to the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), where Kumar serves as Member-Mayor-in-Council (MMIC). Investigators have reportedly seized phone chats in which photographs and details of disputed land were allegedly shared with Kumar.
Examination of Financial Transactions and KMC Involvement
The ED is also examining whether any money trail or financial transactions connect Kumar to the deals. Furthermore, the agency is probing the possible involvement of KMC employees and how information related to disputed properties was allegedly accessed. This aspect of the investigation highlights concerns over potential misuse of municipal resources.
Political Reactions and Allegations
The Trinamool Congress has accused the BJP-led Centre of using central agencies to target opposition leaders ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections. TMC spokesperson Arup Chakraborty stated, "BJP is using the central investigating agency against our leaders before the upcoming polls. It is a political vendetta." TMC state vice-president Jay Prakash Majumdar echoed this sentiment, calling the probe politically motivated and alleging misuse of federal agencies.
In response, Bengal BJP chief spokesperson Debjit Sarkar said, "Why is ED questioning Kumar and not you or me? TMC should stop making the same baseless allegation whenever there is an ED or CBI operation." This exchange underscores the heightened political tensions surrounding the case.
Election Context and Protests
Voting in the Rashbehari constituency is scheduled for the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections on April 29, with vote counting set for May 4. The recent searches triggered protests outside Kumar’s residence, where TMC workers raised slogans against the Centre. Central forces personnel were deployed to maintain law and order, reflecting the volatile atmosphere.
The investigation continues as authorities delve deeper into the allegations, with potential implications for both the legal outcomes and the upcoming electoral dynamics in West Bengal.
