Kolkata, November 5, 2026: A major political controversy has erupted in West Bengal after police recovered approximately ₹1.03 crore in cash from an office linked to rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Samim Ahamed in Diamond Harbour. The seizure has triggered allegations and counter-allegations between Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s BJP-led government and the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC faction.
Police Recover ₹1.02 Crore From TMC Office
According to police, a total of ₹1,02,79,000 was recovered during a search operation at an office in Sarisha, located in the Diamond Harbour area of South 24 Parganas district.
The premises were identified as an office associated with Samim Ahamed, the MLA representing the Magrahat Paschim Assembly constituency.
Diamond Harbour Additional Superintendent of Police Abhishek Majumdar confirmed the cash seizure.
Authorities are investigating the source, ownership and intended use of the money.
Raid Follows Interrogation of Abhishek Banerjee’s Aide
The police operation reportedly followed information obtained during the interrogation of Sumit Roy, an arrested aide of TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee.
Roy is currently in police custody in connection with allegations involving financial irregularities and illegal activities related to land and soil excavation.
Investigators are examining whether information obtained during questioning can help establish the origin of the recovered cash.
No final conclusions regarding the money’s ownership have been announced.
Rebel TMC MLA Linked to Seized Cash
Samim Ahamed was elected from Magrahat Paschim on a Trinamool Congress ticket.
He subsequently joined a rebel faction of the party associated with Ritabrata Banerjee, following political divisions within the TMC.
The recovery of such a large amount of money from premises linked to the legislator has intensified political tensions in the state.
Ahamed had not publicly responded to the cash seizure at the time of the initial reports.
CM Suvendu Adhikari Calls Seizure ‘Tip of the Iceberg’
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari addressed the controversy during a press conference at the state secretariat, Nabanna, on Wednesday night.
He described the recovered money as “the tip of the iceberg” and alleged that revenue meant for the state government had previously been diverted to political offices.
Adhikari also accused former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee of involvement in alleged financial irregularities.
These accusations remain political allegations and have not been established through a judicial finding.
CM Raises Questions Over State Revenue
During the press conference, Adhikari cited state revenue figures to support his allegations.
He said West Bengal collected approximately ₹37,281 crore between April 1 and October 31, 2026, compared with ₹33,788 crore during the corresponding period the previous year.
The Chief Minister argued that the increase raised questions about revenue collection under the former administration.
He alleged that money had previously been diverted through illegal collections and transferred to private interests, including overseas entities.
The allegations have not been independently established.
Mamata Banerjee-Led TMC Faction Rejects Allegations
The Mamata Banerjee-led TMC faction strongly rejected the accusations and alleged that the BJP-led state government was misusing police machinery for political purposes.
The party claimed that evidence had been planted to fabricate a case against its members and associates.
It also referred to an earlier complaint concerning alleged vandalism at the office premises.
According to the faction, concerns had previously been raised that incriminating materials could be placed inside the building.
The police have not confirmed those allegations.
Lawyer Alleges Police Coercion During Investigation
Arka Nag, a lawyer associated with the Mamata-led TMC faction, alleged that Sumit Roy had been threatened while in police custody.
He claimed that Roy was pressured to cooperate with investigators and was taken to the premises under coercive circumstances.
The allegations have added another dimension to the political dispute.
Authorities have not publicly established the validity of the coercion claims.
BJP Demands Action Against Those Responsible
BJP leaders have defended the investigation and called for a thorough examination of the recovered cash.
Party spokesperson Debjit Sarkar alleged that the seizure represented only a small portion of a larger financial network.
The BJP has demanded accountability from individuals found responsible for any illegal transactions.
However, investigators have yet to determine whether the cash was connected to criminal activity.
Police Continue Investigation Into Cash Seizure
Police are examining financial transactions, possible beneficiaries and the circumstances in which the money was stored at the premises.
Investigators are also attempting to establish who controlled the office and whether the seized amount is linked to other cases under investigation.
The case has become a significant political controversy in West Bengal, with both sides making competing claims about the investigation.
Further findings will be necessary to determine the origin of the money and whether any criminal offences occurred.
Source: The Indian Express, PTI, The New Indian Express, ThePrint
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