Look-out notice issued against Abhishek Banerjee aide Sumit Roy in land-grab case
Synopsis
West Bengal's CID has sealed Sumit Roy's exit routes with a look-out notice after a Midnapore court issued an arrest warrant against the TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee's executive assistant in an illegal land-grabbing case. Police have already raided Banerjee's Kalighat home and Sumit's in-laws' residence — and still came up empty.
Key Takeaways
West Bengal CID issued a look-out notice against Sumit Roy , executive assistant to TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee , on Tuesday, 17 June 2025 .
The Chief Judicial Magistrate of Midnapore had already issued an arrest warrant against Sumit on Monday in an illegal land-grabbing case at Salboni .
Sumit has approached the Calcutta High Court seeking anticipatory bail; a hearing before Justice Jay Sengupta is expected this week.
Police raided Abhishek Banerjee's Kalighat residence on 14 June 2025 after Sumit's phone was last traced there, but he was not found.
Sumit's name surfaced during interrogation of former TMC MLA Sujoy Hazra , arrested earlier in a separate land scam.
West Bengal's Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has issued a look-out notice against Sumit Roy, the absconding executive assistant of All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee, in connection with an illegal land-grabbing case registered at the Salboni police station in West Midnapore district. The notice, approved on Tuesday, 17 June 2025, means Sumit will be detained if he attempts to leave the country through any airport or port.
Arrest Warrant and Court Proceedings
The West Midnapore district police had moved court on Monday seeking an arrest warrant against Sumit Roy. The Chief Judicial Magistrate of Midnapore granted the warrant the same day. Hours later, Sumit approached the Calcutta High Court seeking anticipatory bail, with his lawyer drawing the attention of the bench of Justice Jay Sengupta. The hearing is likely to be held this week.
Following the warrant, the CID escalated its pursuit by approaching the Immigration Department to issue a look-out notice — a step that effectively seals Sumit's exit routes from India.
Police Raids at Abhishek Banerjee's Kalighat Residence
On Saturday, 14 June 2025, officers from the Salboni police station, accompanied by central forces, arrived early morning at Abhishek Banerjee's residence in Kalighat, south Kolkata, acting on a lead that Sumit's mobile phone had last been traced to that location. After waiting for a considerable period, police broke open the lock and entered the premises. Sumit was not found inside.
On the same day, investigators also searched Sumit's in-laws' house in Serampore, Hooghly district, but failed to locate him there as well. Sumit Roy has remained untraced for several days despite sustained efforts by the CID.
How Sumit Roy's Name Surfaced
According to sources, Sumit Roy's name emerged during the interrogation of Sujoy Hazra, a former Trinamool Congress MLA from Midnapore who was arrested earlier in connection with a separate land scam case. Investigators reportedly followed the lead and registered the illegal land-grabbing case at Salboni, in which Sumit is now a named accused.
What Happens Next
With a look-out notice in place and an active arrest warrant from the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Sumit Roy faces detention the moment he surfaces at any immigration checkpoint. The Calcutta High Court's anticipated bail hearing this week will be a critical juncture — if bail is denied, the CID will have a clear path to arrest. The case adds fresh pressure on Abhishek Banerjee, whose close associate's last known location was traced to his own residence.
Point of View
Not just pursuing one fugitive. The Calcutta High Court's decision on anticipatory bail this week will effectively determine whether this case accelerates or stalls — and either outcome will carry political weight ahead of West Bengal's next electoral cycle.
NationPress
2 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the look-out notice issued against Sumit Roy?
A look-out notice is an official directive issued by the CID through the Immigration Department that flags an individual at all airports and ports, ensuring they are detained if they attempt to leave the country. In Sumit Roy's case, it was approved on Tuesday, 17 June 2025, after a Midnapore court had already issued an arrest warrant against him in an illegal land-grabbing case.
Who is Sumit Roy and why is he wanted?
Sumit Roy is the executive assistant of TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee. He is wanted by the West Midnapore district police in connection with an illegal land-grabbing case registered at the Salboni police station. His name reportedly emerged during the interrogation of former TMC MLA Sujoy Hazra in a separate land scam.
Why did police raid Abhishek Banerjee's Kalighat residence?
Police raided Abhishek Banerjee's residence in Kalighat, south Kolkata, on 14 June 2025 after Sumit Roy's mobile phone was last traced to that location. Officers from Salboni police station, accompanied by central forces, broke open the lock after waiting for a considerable time, but did not find Sumit inside.
Has Sumit Roy been arrested yet?
No. Sumit Roy remains absconding as of 17 June 2025 despite police raids at Abhishek Banerjee's Kalighat home and Sumit's in-laws' residence in Serampore, Hooghly district. The look-out notice means he will be detained at any airport or port if he attempts to travel.
What is the status of Sumit Roy's anticipatory bail plea?
Sumit Roy has filed for anticipatory bail in the Calcutta High Court, with his lawyer drawing the attention of Justice Jay Sengupta's bench. The hearing is expected to take place this week and will be a key development in determining whether he can avoid immediate arrest.
