Former All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Atin Ghosh and his daughter Priyadarshini Ghosh have been summoned by Kolkata police for questioning in connection with allegations of forcible property seizure and cheating. The summons, issued this week, follow the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) based on a complaint by a local hotel owner who alleged his property was taken over for a fraction of its market value.

What the Complaint Alleges

According to police, Atin Ghosh — also a former Deputy Mayor of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) — and his daughter are accused of cheating to the tune of ₹50 lakh. The hotel owner alleged that his three-storey bungalow, situated on approximately two and a half kathas of land in the Metropolitan area adjacent to the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass, was forcibly occupied for roughly nine years. The current market value of the property is estimated at approximately ₹4 crore, according to sources, though the complainant reportedly received only ₹50 lakh.

The FIR carries charges including land grabbing, intimidation, cheating, and criminal conspiracy. The case was initially registered under the Pragati Maidan police station jurisdiction before being transferred to Bidhannagar North police station, whose officers are now conducting the investigation.

Ghosh Denies Receiving Notice

On Wednesday, Atin Ghosh publicly claimed he had not yet received any police notice. His daughter, however, was more combative in her response. Priyadarshini Ghosh told a section of media persons, “No one has been able to tarnish the image of my father and smear dirt on his 50-year political career. We will not take responsibility for the allegations. This time I will file a defamation case.”

Political Background

Atin Ghosh had won the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections from the Kashipur-Belgachia constituency on a TMC ticket. He contested from the same seat in the subsequent election but lost to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Ritesh Tiwari. His summons come amid a broader pattern of law enforcement action against TMC leaders since the change of government in the state, with several TMC councillors, MLAs, and leaders facing arrest on charges ranging from extortion and corruption to molestation.

What the Government Said

State Minister for Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Agnimitra Paul commented on the matter, saying, “Earlier, there was no proper investigation, let alone a trial. A complaint has been filed, and investigation will be conducted.” The minister’s remarks signal that the state administration intends to pursue the case through due process.

What Happens Next

Both Atin Ghosh and Priyadarshini Ghosh are expected to appear before investigators at Bidhannagar North police station this week. The outcome of their questioning could determine whether formal arrests follow. The case is being closely watched as part of a wider accountability drive targeting former ruling-party functionaries in West Bengal.