Income tax raids at TMC MLA Debasish Kumar's premises
What's the story
The Income Tax Department on Friday conducted searches at two premises of Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Debasish Kumar in Kolkata. The raids were carried out at his residence on Manoharpukur Road and his election office. The reason for the searches is not immediately clear. Kumar is contesting for re-election from the Rashbehari seat in South Kolkata in the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections.
Legal scrutiny
ED had summoned Kumar in land fraud case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) had earlier summoned Kumar several times in connection with a land fraud case. He was questioned at the CGO Complex in Salt Lake on April 1, 3, and 9. The ED was probing if Kumar had any financial dealings with businessman Amit Gangopadhyay, whose property was also searched by the central agency.
Election dynamics
TMC workers protest against I-T raids
The Rashbehari constituency will go to polls on April 29 in the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly elections. The results will be declared on May 4. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fielded columnist Swapan Dasgupta against Kumar in this constituency. The I-T raids have sparked tension outside Kumar's residence, with TMC workers protesting against the BJP-led central government.