KMC extends Abhishek Banerjee's notice deadline by 10 days over 17 properties
Synopsis
Kolkata's civic body has given Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee 10 more days to answer notices over 17 properties — but the bigger mystery is why plainclothes Kolkata Police turned up unannounced at his Bhabanipur home the same afternoon, left with a monitor, and offered no explanation.
Key Takeaways
KMC extended Abhishek Banerjee's deadline by 10 days on 25 May to reply to notices over 17 properties .
The original deadline was midnight on Monday ; Banerjee's counsel had written to the KMC seeking more time.
Notices question whether civic permissions were obtained for additional construction at his residences.
Plainclothes Kolkata Police visited his residence 'Santiniketan' on Harish Mukherjee Road on Monday afternoon without informing media.
Officers left carrying a monitor; a city police official claimed ignorance of the visit.
The residence and an associated car are reportedly registered under a company linked to the Banerjee family.
Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) on Monday, 25 May granted Trinamool Congress general secretary and Lok Sabha member Abhishek Banerjee an additional 10 days to respond to notices concerning 17 properties registered in his name. The original deadline had been set for midnight on Monday, but a request from Banerjee's legal counsel prompted the civic body to extend the window.
Background to the Notices
The KMC had recently served the notices to Abhishek Banerjee — also the nephew of former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee — seeking clarification on whether the required civic permissions had been obtained for any additional construction carried out at his residences. In a visible escalation, municipality officials also affixed a notice on the outer wall of his residence, 'Santiniketan', on Harish Mukherjee Road in the Bhabanipur area of south Kolkata.
On Sunday, it emerged that Banerjee's counsel had written to the KMC formally requesting more time to prepare a reply. Accordingly, the civic authority confirmed on Monday that the deadline had been pushed back by 10 days.
Kolkata Police Visit Raises Questions
Adding an unexpected dimension to the day's events, a team of plainclothes Kolkata Police personnel arrived unannounced at 'Santiniketan' on Monday afternoon. No prior intimation was given to media about the purpose of the visit.
The officers remained inside the premises for a period before emerging carrying a monitor, which was then placed inside a white vehicle bearing a Kolkata Police sticker. Shortly after the police team departed, a car left the garage of the residence.
According to reports, that vehicle is registered in the name of a company reportedly owned by members of the Banerjee family. The house 'Santiniketan' is also registered under the same company's name with the municipality. When approached for comment, a city police official claimed to have no knowledge of the visit.
What the Notices Seek
The KMC notices specifically question whether Abhishek Banerjee sought and received the civic body's approval before undertaking any additional construction at properties associated with him. The notices make clear that no action will be decided upon until Banerjee has had the opportunity to respond to the queries raised.
What Happens Next
With the extended deadline now in effect, the KMC is expected to await Banerjee's formal reply before determining its next course of action regarding the 17 properties. The unexplained police visit, meanwhile, has fuelled considerable speculation, with no official explanation forthcoming as of Monday evening.
Point of View
Unusual given the political alignment between the corporation and the ruling party in West Bengal. The unannounced police visit, with no explanation offered, deepens the intrigue: it either reflects an independent investigative thread or, critics would argue, an attempt to manage the narrative around the property scrutiny. The convergence of a civic deadline, a legal extension, and an unexplained police visit on the same day is unlikely to be coincidental — and the absence of any official statement makes the silence as newsworthy as the visit itself.
NationPress
2 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did KMC issue notices to Abhishek Banerjee?
The KMC issued notices to Abhishek Banerjee seeking clarification on whether the required civic permissions were obtained for any additional construction at his 17 properties. No action is to be taken until he responds to the queries.
How much time has Abhishek Banerjee been given to reply?
The KMC granted him an additional 10 days on 25 May, after his counsel wrote to the civic body requesting an extension. The original deadline had been midnight on Monday.
Why did Kolkata Police visit Abhishek Banerjee's residence?
No official reason has been given. Plainclothes Kolkata Police personnel arrived unannounced at his Bhabanipur residence on Monday afternoon, stayed for a period, and left carrying a monitor. A city police official claimed ignorance of the visit when asked.
Who is Abhishek Banerjee?
Abhishek Banerjee is the general secretary of the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) and a Lok Sabha member. He is also the nephew of former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
What is the significance of the house 'Santiniketan'?
'Santiniketan' on Harish Mukherjee Road in Bhabanipur, south Kolkata, is Abhishek Banerjee's residence. It is registered with the municipality under a company reportedly owned by members of the Banerjee family, the same company in whose name an associated car is also registered.
