SC to examine probe records of Abhishek Banerjee’s PA days after staying arrest

The Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday to review investigation records against Sumit Roy, a personal assistant to Trinamool Congress (TMC) lawmaker Abhishek Banerjee, following his arrest on August 6 in connection with an alleged land-grabbing case. The West Bengal Police informed the court that Roy is refusing to cooperate, despite having appeared before the investigating officer.

The police submitted the investigation records, asserting that this case is "only the tip of the iceberg" and has been ongoing for some time. Solicitor general Tushar Mehta, representing the state, stated that the records have been reviewed and indicated that the situation is more extensive than initially apparent. The bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana emphasized that they will not hinder the ongoing investigation but questioned whether Roy's custody was necessary.

Roy's attorney, senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, noted that his client has been cooperating since the August 6 anticipatory bail order. Sankaranarayanan requested a copy of the confidential information shared with the court, arguing that the investigation is still pending, making it improper to disclose such sensitive information.

Two individuals associated with the case against Roy have reportedly withdrawn their statements. Mehta informed the court that Roy has declined to provide information, citing his constitutional right to remain silent. The court acknowledged both the accused's right to silence and the investigating agency's authority to enforce arrests.

The probe into Roy originated after former TMC legislator Sujoy Hazra alleged that Roy was involved in irregularities related to the sale of vast government land plots in West Midnapore's Salboni, based on misleading documents. The TMC has experienced a series of defections and legal issues since losing power to the Bharatiya Janata Party in the May 2026 West Bengal assembly elections.