The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to examine the records of an investigation against Sumit Roy, Trinamool Congress (TMC) lawmaker Abhishek Banerjee’s personal assistant (PA), while posting his anticipatory bail plea in an alleged land-grabbing case for hearing next week. It stayed Roy’s arrest on August 6.
Investigation of Alleged Land Irregularities Continues
The West Bengal Police informed the court that Roy is not cooperating fully with the investigation, despite appearing before the investigating officer. They described the case as merely the “tip of the iceberg” and requested the court to review the investigation records before making any decisions.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the state, echoed this sentiment, stating, “I have examined the records, and I can say this is only the tip of the iceberg. It has been going on for long.” The court indicated it would not hinder the investigation but questioned whether Roy’s custody was necessary.
Roy’s lawyer, senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, argued that his client has been cooperative since an order issued on August 6. He requested access to the confidential information presented to the court, but the bench declined, citing the ongoing investigation.
Mehta noted that Roy has been unhelpful, saying, “He is coming for investigation, but is not cooperating. He is not answering our questions.” In response, Sankaranarayanan asserted that Roy has a constitutionally protected right to remain silent. The court acknowledged both the accused’s right to silence and the investigation agency’s right to arrest.
Roy approached the Supreme Court after the Calcutta High Court rejected his anticipatory bail plea on August 3. The investigation into him began following allegations from former TMC legislator Sujoy Hazra, who accused Roy of being involved in irregularities concerning the sale of government land in Salboni, West Midnapore, based on falsified documents.
