Trinamool MLA Summoned by ED Over Alleged Land Grabbing
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Kolkata, March 30 (NationPress) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Debasish Kumar, the Trinamool Congress MLA representing the Rashbehari Assembly Constituency in South Kolkata and a Member-Mayor-in-Council (MMIC) of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, regarding an investigation into an illegal land grabbing case in West Bengal.
At the time of reporting, Kumar was already present at the ED’s office located in the central government office (CGO) complex in Salt Lake, on the northern outskirts of Kolkata, preparing for his interrogation.
Kumar has been re-nominated to contest from the Rashbehari Assembly Constituency in the upcoming elections.
According to sources familiar with the situation, the ED conducted searches in Kolkata and nearby areas on March 28 as part of their investigation into the land grabbing allegations. This included searches at the office of a particular organization in the city and the residences of its officials. These operations were specifically related to the illegal land grabbing case.
The organization in question faces accusations of defrauding investors by encouraging them to invest in schemes that promised substantial returns. As the investigation progressed, Kumar's name emerged, prompting the ED to issue a summons for his questioning.
It has come to light that the ED's investigation was initiated following approximately 17 FIRs filed against the organization at various police stations across West Bengal. During the raids on March 28, ED officials scrutinized the organization's financial records and interrogated its directors and senior staff.
Sources indicated that Kumar's name was brought up during the investigation, leading the officials to seek his testimony.
The leadership of the Trinamool Congress has alleged that the summons against Kumar is a tactic by the Union government to intimidate party leaders and candidates ahead of the two-phase Assembly elections next month.
In contrast, state leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) asserted that the ED's actions stemmed from a court order, denying any involvement from the Union government or the BJP in this matter.