Pre-Dawn Police Raid at Abhishek Banerjee’s Kolkata Home Sparks Political Storm

A dramatic pre-dawn police operation at the Kolkata residence of Trinamool Congress (TMC) national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday triggered a fresh political controversy in West Bengal , with the ruling party alleging harassment and misuse of investigative agencies.

A large contingent of police personnel, accompanied by central force personnel , arrived at Banerjee’s residence in the Kalighat area shortly after 3 am and carried out a search operation that continued for more than four hours . The raid was reportedly linked to a case registered at Salboni Police Station in Paschim Medinipur district, though officials did not immediately disclose the exact nature of the investigation.

According to local sources, officers from Paschim Medinipur Police and Kolkata Police reached the residence in the early hours of the morning while central forces secured the area outside the premises. The operation quickly drew attention across the state, with senior TMC leaders closely monitoring developments.

The situation intensified after the TMC alleged that police personnel had broken a lock to enter the property before conducting an extensive search. Party leaders described the action as politically motivated , accusing agencies of targeting one of the party’s most prominent faces.

News of the operation prompted Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to rush to the residence after being informed about the developments. Her arrival underscored the political significance of the raid and highlighted the growing tensions surrounding the case.

Speaking to reporters after the search, Abhishek Banerjee claimed that officers had entered the residence after breaking open a lock and searched every room in the house. Police officials, however, refrained from providing detailed comments regarding the purpose or findings of the operation.

The raid comes amid an increasingly intense legal and political battle involving Banerjee. Just days earlier, the West Bengal CID had questioned him in connection with an alleged forged signature case linked to the state assembly. The latest action also follows a series of summons issued by multiple investigating agencies .

With political temperatures already running high in West Bengal, Saturday’s operation is expected to further sharpen the confrontation between the Trinamool Congress and its opponents, setting the stage for another heated political showdown in the state.