FIR filed against ex-Kolkata Deputy Mayor Atin Ghosh in ‘property fraud’ case, summoned this week

Former Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) Deputy Mayor Atin Ghosh has been named in an FIR over allegations of acquiring land and a luxury property at a low price through alleged misuse of political influence. The case also names his daughter Priyadarshini Ghosh and son-in-law.

Ghosh was booked for allegedly occupying a three-storey bungalow and an adjoining land worth around Rs 4 crore in Kolkata for nine years, police said on Wednesday.

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Sources indicate that the former Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA was also summoned by the Bidhannagar North Police Station for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation and were asked to appear before the police this week.

The complaint was filed by a businessman from Bidhannagar who owns a hotel named “The Shovarani” who claimed that the property was forcibly acquired after paying a token amount of only Rs 50 lakh.

Though the fraud took place within the jurisdiction of the Pragati Maidan Police Station, the complaint was subsequently lodged at the Bidhannagar North Police Station, which is now investigating the matter.

Ghosh however claimed on Wednesday that he had not yet received any notice from the police.

“I do not know the person who filed the complaint. My daughter had purchased a property from them. In my 50-year political career, no one has ever been able to level a corruption charge against me. Nevertheless, if the police summons me for the sake of the investigation, I am ready to cooperate fully,” the TMC leader said.

Reacting to the allegations, his daughter, Priyadarshini Ghosh said, “These are completely false allegations. The person who lodged this complaint is the one who actually defrauded us. We possess all the relevant documents,” further warning that they would file a defamation suit over the accusations.

The complainant alleged that in 2017, when Ghosh was serving as the Deputy Mayor, he used his position and influence to pressurise him into transferring a valuable land parcel and house at a price far below market value.

The FIR further alleges that the businessman was subjected to sustained political pressure and intimidation, including threats to his life.

Following the complaint, police have intensified the investigation and are examining official documents and banking transactions linked to the property deal.

Investigators are looking into the circumstances under which the land was transferred, the financial details of the transaction, and the individuals in whose names the property was registered.

Police sources indicated that Atin Ghosh, along with his daughter and son-in-law, may be questioned further as the investigation progresses.