Fresh FIR against Abhishek Banerjee in Sebashray health camp case
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
A fresh First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and Lok Sabha MP Abhishek Banerjee and his absconding personal assistant, Sumit Roy, at the Bishnupur Police Station in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal on Saturday, 25 July. The complaint, filed by the owner of a private tourist resort, centres on the Sebashray health camp organised in Banerjee's Diamond Harbour constituency during the previous Mamata Banerjee-led TMC government.
What the Complaint Alleges
According to the complaint, Banerjee, Roy, and several associates allegedly occupied the private resort without authorisation for nearly 40 days to conduct the health camp. The resort management was reportedly compelled to provide accommodation and food for doctors and other camp staff, with all expenses borne by the resort authorities and no compensation paid.
The resort owner has estimated the total financial loss at more than ₹25 lakh. Complainant Samiran Roy, who filed the case on behalf of the resort, also alleged that local TMC workers threatened to vandalise the property if permission for the camp was withheld, leaving the management with no option but to comply.
Why Victims Stayed Silent
Samiran Roy stated that the accused were 'highly influential', which had deterred the resort owners from approaching the police earlier. 'We remained silent out of fear. Only after the change of government in the state did we gather the courage to file a complaint,' he said.
This explanation points to a broader pattern that has emerged in post-poll West Bengal — multiple complainants citing the political transition as the enabling factor for approaching law enforcement.
Political Context and Assembly Proceedings
The FIR lands on a politically charged day: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari is scheduled to address the state Assembly on the government's ongoing investigation into the Sebashray health camp allegations, on the final day of the six-day extended session.
The issue had already gained legislative traction on Friday, 25 July, when Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Debangshu Panda, representing the Falta Assembly constituency, raised corruption allegations linked to the Sebashray camps in the Assembly. The timing of the fresh FIR — coinciding with Assembly debate and a CM address — underscores the deepening political stakes around the case.
What Happens Next
The Diamond Harbour District Police has registered the FIR against Banerjee, Roy, and several others under relevant provisions of law. Sumit Roy remains at large, and his whereabouts are currently unknown, according to reports. With the Assembly session focusing on the Sebashray camps and the investigation ongoing, further legal and political developments are expected in the coming days.