KOLKATA – The Trinamool Congress (TMC) faces a significant financial blow as three of its bank accounts, containing an estimated Rs 440 crore, have been placed under a debit freeze. This action follows formal complaints filed by a group of rebel party MLAs who are calling for a criminal investigation into the origin of these substantial funds.
The frozen accounts, maintained with a private sector bank, are now blocked from all outward transactions and withdrawals, though they can still receive incoming credits. This development intensifies an already bitter internal power struggle within the TMC, which has seen rifts emerge between factions led by former minister Aroop Biswas and Leader of the Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee, particularly following the party's recent defeat in the Assembly elections.
Rebel MLAs Demand Criminal Probe into Fund Sources
The move to freeze the accounts was triggered by complaints from 10 MLAs aligned with Ritabrata Banerjee. These legislators approached the cybercrime police station under the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate, seeking the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) and a comprehensive inquiry. Their complaints specifically question the legality of the funds deposited and the nature of transactions conducted through these accounts.
A copy of one complaint alleges that investigators should ascertain if the funds originate from lawful sources or are linked to suspected illegal activities. These include allegations of 'cut-money' collections, diversion of public funds, and proceeds from various scams. The complaint explicitly states, "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."
Internal Strife Exacerbates Financial Scrutiny
The freezing of the accounts marks a critical escalation in the ongoing conflict over control of the TMC's organizational and financial machinery. A senior MLA loyal to Mamata Banerjee acknowledged awareness of the police action, stating the faction was awaiting formal communication regarding the exact details.
This development comes just days after Aroop Biswas, a former minister, had himself written to the bank. Biswas's letter sought protection for the accounts and a suspension of transactions, citing concerns over the management and control of party deposits, estimated at over Rs 500 crore, until the leadership dispute was resolved. While Biswas's initial request focused on internal control, the rebel MLAs have now pushed for a criminal investigation into the very source of the funds.
Treasurer Row Deepens Amidst Allegations
Adding another layer to the dispute, the complaints were filed at the same cybercrime police station that is investigating an FIR against Biswas related to a controversy surrounding Argentine football icon Lionel Messi's visit to Kolkata.
The authority to manage party finances has also become a contentious issue. Mamata loyalist MLA Kunal Ghosh publicly challenged Biswas's standing, stating that Biswas no longer holds the post of party treasurer. Ghosh clarified, "To remove any confusion, it must be stated clearly that Aroop Biswas was once the party treasurer. However, at the executive committee meeting held on June 5, it was unanimously decided that Subhasish Chakraborty would be the treasurer. Since then, he has been discharging that responsibility."
With the three key party accounts now under a debit freeze, the internal battle for control of the TMC's finances has moved beyond mere leadership squabbles, evolving into a police-involved confrontation with serious allegations concerning the source of hundreds of crores of rupees.