Kolkata, September 10, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The West Bengal Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Thursday arrested Sumit Roy, personal assistant to Trinamool Congress General Secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee, in connection with an alleged multi-crore land-grabbing case in Salboni, West Midnapore district.
The arrest came hours after the Supreme Court withdrew interim protection from coercive action, including arrest, that had earlier been granted to Roy. The court observed that despite being given an opportunity, he had not adequately cooperated with the investigation.
Following the Supreme Court order, a CID team rushed to Abhishek Banerjee’s residence in Kalighat, South Kolkata, where Roy was present.
According to sources, a brief confrontation took place after private security personnel allegedly attempted to prevent the CID officers from entering the premises. The officers, accompanied by a police contingent, subsequently entered the residence and took Roy into custody.
Roy was later brought to the CID headquarters at Bhabani Bhavan for questioning in connection with the case.
A senior police officer said Roy was likely to be produced before a court in West Midnapore either later on Thursday or Friday. Investigators are expected to seek his custodial interrogation.
Roy is the principal accused in the Salboni land scam case. His anticipatory bail plea had earlier been rejected by the Calcutta High Court, following which he approached the Supreme Court seeking relief.
The matter was heard by a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice Venkata Subba Rao Mohana.
The Supreme Court’s withdrawal of interim protection removed the legal restraint on investigators taking coercive action against Roy. The bench noted that despite being given an opportunity, he had failed to properly assist the investigation.
The arrest comes as Abhishek Banerjee is currently abroad for ophthalmic treatment.
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