Properties Linked to Abhishek Banerjee Under Scrutiny by Kolkata Municipal Corporation Amid BJP's Aggressive Campaign Against TMC.

TMC's Abhishek Banerjee Faces Scrutiny Over Alleged Illegal Properties

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC), run by the Trinamool Congress (TMC), has issued notices to several properties linked to TMC's national general secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee, seeking approved building plans and related documents for scrutiny. The development took place just days after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in West Bengal, ending the TMC's 12-year rule.

Highly placed civic body sources revealed that notices have been sent in connection with 17 to 21 properties allegedly owned by or linked to Banerjee, his family members, and a company, to verify whether construction at these sites conforms with sanctioned plans approved by the corporation.

The KMC's move comes after Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul claimed that the authorities had identified alleged illegal properties linked to Trinamool Congress leaders. Paul alleged that properties linked to Banerjee, his family, and Leaps and Bounds company had come under scrutiny. The authorities have directed the owners to bring the approved building plans, failing which they will take action.

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Kolkata Mayor and TMC MLA Firhad Hakim responded to the development, stating he had no knowledge about the KMC's notices to Abhishek Banerjee. However, civic officials clarified that the notices were issued under Section 400(1) of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation Act, 1980, which empowers authorities to seek explanations regarding alleged unauthorised construction and provide an opportunity for property owners to present their case.

The properties under scrutiny include Banerjee's residence at 188A Harish Mukherjee Road, an adjacent building on Kalighat Road, and several other premises at locations such as Premendra Mitra Sarani, Panditiya Road, and Ustad Aamir Khan Sarani.

The notices seek approved building plans and documents relating to construction work, as well as clarification on whether mandatory permissions had been taken for additions or modifications to structures, including installations such as lifts and escalators. KMC officials stated that a detailed examination of the submitted documents would be carried out to ascertain whether any deviation from sanctioned plans or civic norms had taken place.

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If any construction beyond the approved plan or any alteration without prior civic permission is found, action will be initiated in accordance with the law. The notices also direct owners to either remove allegedly unauthorised portions within seven days or explain why civic action should not be initiated. Failure to provide a satisfactory response could lead to demolition proceedings, with the civic body reserving the right to recover demolition costs from the owners.