TMC MLA Files Police Complaint Over Suspicious Party Bank Accounts

A legislator from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has approached the cyber crime police station in Bidhannagar, West Bengal, seeking registration of an FIR and a detailed investigation into certain bank accounts allegedly linked to the party. The complaint cites a 'reasonable suspicion' of 'commission of cognizable offences involving the generation, routing, and possible concealment of funds through electronic and banking channels.'

The development comes a day after senior TMC leader Aroop Biswas called for freezing operations in the accounts, citing concerns over their control and management.

Biswanath Das, TMC MLA from Joynagar Assembly seat, submitted the complaint to the Cyber Crime Police Station, Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate. In the letter, Das stated, 'Bringing to your kind notice certain serious and credible inputs which disclose a reasonable suspicion regarding commission of cognizable offences involving the generation, routing, and possible concealment of funds through electronic and banking channels.'

He added, 'It has come to my knowledge through reliable circumstances and surrounding developments that certain funds, arising out of illegal activities, including misuse of influence, dishonest financial dealings and suspected unlawful collection of money, may have been routed and subsequently deposited into bank accounts.'

The complaint further noted that the pattern of such suspected financial movements raises a reasonable apprehension that electronic communication systems, digital platforms, and online banking mechanisms may have been used to facilitate the transfer and concealment of such proceeds.

While acknowledging that complete details about the source of funds and identities of all persons involved are not within his direct knowledge, Das argued that the circumstances necessitate an immediate and thorough investigation to ascertain the origin, movement, and destination of the funds. He warned that without prompt action, relevant electronic records and financial evidence could be altered or destroyed.

The complaint also outlined potential legal violations, stating that the suspected acts may attract provisions related to cheating, criminal breach of trust, and criminal conspiracy under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, as well as provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000, since electronic means may have been used.

Specifically, the complaint mentioned offences such as cheating under Section 318, criminal breach of trust under Section 316, criminal conspiracy under Section 61, and criminal intimidation under Section 351, depending on the outcome of the investigation.

Reacting to the complaint, TMC MLA Kunal Ghosh said, 'Whoever has lodged a complaint is fine. However, my question is, those who have so many issues with the party, why didn’t they approach the party chief when it was in a ruling position?'