The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned Subhasish Chakraborty, treasurer of the Kalighat faction of the Trinamool Congress and a former Rajya Sabha MP, in connection with its probe into the party’s funds. He has been asked to appear later this week with all documents related to the party’s bank accounts.
ED summons treasurer over party funds
According to ED sources, Chakraborty was issued the summons because he is the authorised signatory for the party’s three bank accounts. The summons comes amid an ongoing legal battle in the Calcutta High Court over the ownership of the Trinamool Congress’s election symbol and bank accounts following the party’s split.
During the proceedings, an alleged discrepancy of ₹164 crore in the party’s accounts came to light, prompting further investigation.
₹164 crore discrepancy under investigation now
Chakraborty said he would discuss the matter with party leaders before deciding whether to appear before the ED.
Before Chakraborty, Aroop Biswas served as the party’s treasurer. After joining the Ritobrata Banerjee-led faction, Biswas sought the freezing of the party’s three bank accounts.
The Mamata Banerjee-led Kalighat faction subsequently appointed Chakraborty as treasurer and challenged the account-freezing move in the Calcutta High Court. He currently remains the authorised signatory for all three accounts.
Account ownership dispute reaches High Court
Following the Trinamool Congress’s split after the Assembly election defeat, the party is now divided into the Mamata Banerjee-led Kalighat faction and the Ritobrata Banerjee-led faction, which claims to be the “real” Trinamool Congress. The Ritobrata camp has the support of 68 MLAs, while the remaining legislators are with the Kalighat faction. The dispute over control of the party’s symbol and funds is now before the Calcutta High Court, while the ED is conducting a parallel investigation.
ED probe intensifies amid TMC factional split
Last month, when ED officials visited Mamata Banerjee’s residence as part of the probe, Chakraborty allegedly prevented them from entering the house in her absence.
Sources said Chakraborty has sought additional time from the ED before appearing for questioning.
