‘Never evaded any probe’: Abhishek Banerjee on CID summons

Trinamool Congress general secretary and Lok Sabha MP Abhishek Banerjee on Friday, June 12, said he has never shied away from any investigation and questioned the “double standard” of the BJP government. This came after the West Bengal Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) served him a notice over an alleged provocative speech made during the Assembly election campaign.

Earlier in the day, a team of CID officials reached his residence at Kalighat Road in South Kolkata. According to IANS, they serve him a notice in connection with the case where he was accused of inciting violence and threatening Union Home Minister Amit Shah before the Assembly polls in the state.

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Hours after the CID team visited his residence, the Diamond Harbour MP asserted that he had always cooperated with investigating agencies. He further suggested that the officers inform him in advance before visiting his house.

“I have never evaded any investigation. Whether it was the ED, CBI or CID, whenever I have been summoned, I have appeared and cooperated,” PTI quoted Banerjee as saying.

Abhishek Banerjee, nephew of former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, was not at his residence at the time.

On Thursday, he appeared before the CID in the signature forgery case linked to the selection of the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly.

Referring to the matter, Banerjee told mediapersons that he spent nearly five-and-a-half hours answering questions.

“Only yesterday I was questioned by the CID for more than five hours and extended full cooperation. If I am not at home, a notice can be handed over to someone present in the house. Since they were unwilling to do that, they had to wait till I returned,” he said.

“The meeting at our leader’s house was fixed beforehand. I was not at home. My request is simple – please contact me before coming next time,” Banerjee added.

According to IANS, Banerjee further stated that he will cooperate with the CID if summoned for interrogation.

Abhishek Banerjee has been summoned for June 16 in connection with the pre-poll violence case. Prior to that, he has been directed to appear at Bhawani Bhawan on June 14 in connection with the signature forgery case.

Additionally, the Enforcement Directorate has summoned him on June 15 for questioning regarding the primary teacher recruitment scam.