Abhishek Banerjee misses document deadline in Kolkata traffic case
Synopsis
Trinamool Congress general secretary Abhishek Banerjee has missed the police deadline to submit documents in a Kolkata traffic violation case, with a second notice now reportedly on the way. The development adds fresh legal pressure on the Diamond Harbour MP, who is already facing ED and CBI scrutiny, a court setback in a defamation case, and corruption allegations linked to his constituency scheme 'Sebashray'.
Key Takeaways
Abhishek Banerjee failed to submit documents to Kalighat police station by the deadline of Saturday, 4 July in a Motor Vehicles Act violation case.
An FIR was registered against Banerjee on Wednesday based on a complaint by Baguiati resident Rajiv Sarkar , alleging dangerous driving by the MP's security personnel.
The case invokes BNS Sections 281, 125, 223, and 3(5) , along with relevant Motor Vehicles Act provisions.
Police sources say a second notice may now be issued to the Diamond Harbour MP.
Banerjee is separately under ED and CBI scrutiny and recently lost legal protection in a Madhya Pradesh High Court defamation case.
Trinamool Congress (TMC) general secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee has failed to submit documents sought by the Kalighat police station in Kolkata in connection with a Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 violation case, police sources said on Saturday, 4 July. The deadline for submission had lapsed by Saturday evening, and authorities are now reportedly considering issuing a fresh notice to the MP.
Background: The FIR and the Complaint
An FIR was registered against Banerjee at the Kalighat police station in south Kolkata on Wednesday, based on a complaint filed by Rajiv Sarkar, a resident of Baguiati. Sarkar alleged that security personnel were driving Banerjee's vehicle in a dangerous manner, in violation of multiple provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
Specifically, the complainant cited Section 123 of the Motor Vehicles Act — which prohibits hanging from or travelling outside a moving vehicle — and Section 184, which makes dangerous driving a punishable offence. The case has been registered under BNS Sections 281 (rash or negligent driving endangering human life), 125 (rash driving), 223 (disobedience of lawful orders), and 3(5) (common intention), along with relevant Motor Vehicles Act provisions.
Documents Not Submitted, Second Notice Likely
Following the FIR, Kalighat police issued a notice to Banerjee requesting specific documents related to the case, with a deadline of Saturday, 4 July. According to police sources, no documents had been received by Saturday evening. It is learnt that police may now dispatch a second notice to the MP, again seeking the requisite paperwork.
Broader Legal and Political Pressures on Banerjee
This development comes at a time when Banerjee is already navigating a range of legal challenges. He has been under scrutiny by both the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on corruption-related allegations. A signature-mismatch case and his widely reported remark — 'DJ will be played after May 4' — have added to his political difficulties.
Separately, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has withdrawn the legal protection previously granted to Banerjee in a defamation case filed by Akash Vijayvargiya, son of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Kailash Vijayvargiya. There are also reported allegations of financial irregularities linked to his constituency initiative 'Sebashray', launched for residents of the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency.
What Happens Next
If Banerjee continues to withhold the documents, police sources indicate that a second formal notice will be issued. Failure to comply thereafter could escalate the matter further within the legal process. The case adds to a growing list of legal proceedings that Banerjee, one of the most prominent faces of the TMC, is currently contending with ahead of a politically charged period in West Bengal.
Point of View
But its timing is telling. Abhishek Banerjee is simultaneously dealing with ED and CBI probes, a court reversal in Madhya Pradesh, and now a street-level traffic complaint that has escalated into a multi-section FIR. The cumulative legal exposure is significant for a leader widely seen as the TMC's second-in-command and a potential successor figure. What is notable is that the FIR originated from a private citizen's complaint — not a political rival's petition — which limits the usual counter-narrative of political vendetta. How Banerjee and the TMC respond to the document notice will signal whether they intend to contest the case head-on or manage it quietly.
NationPress
5 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was an FIR filed against Abhishek Banerjee?
An FIR was filed against Abhishek Banerjee at Kalighat police station in Kolkata after a Baguiati resident, Rajiv Sarkar, alleged that security guards were driving Banerjee's vehicle dangerously. The complaint cited violations of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
What documents did Kalighat police seek from Abhishek Banerjee?
Kalighat police issued a notice to Banerjee requesting documents related to the traffic violation case registered against him. The nature of the specific documents was not disclosed publicly, but the deadline for submission was Saturday, 4 July, which passed without compliance, according to police sources.
What legal sections has Abhishek Banerjee been booked under?
Banerjee has been booked under BNS Sections 281 (rash or negligent driving), 125 (rash driving), 223 (disobedience of lawful orders), and 3(5) (common intention), along with relevant provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, including Sections 123 and 184.
What other legal cases is Abhishek Banerjee facing?
Banerjee is under scrutiny from the Enforcement Directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation on corruption-related matters. He has also lost legal protection in a Madhya Pradesh High Court defamation case filed by BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya's son, and faces allegations linked to his constituency initiative 'Sebashray'.
What happens if Banerjee continues to not submit the documents?
If the documents are not submitted, police sources indicate that a second formal notice will be issued to Banerjee. Continued non-compliance could escalate the matter further within the legal process.
