West Bengal government seeks custodial interrogation of Abhishek Banerjee's aide in land-grabbing case
The West Bengal government is seeking custodial interrogation of Sumit Roy, an aide to MP Abhishek Banerjee, in connection with a land-grabbing case. The Supreme Court is currently reviewing the request while maintaining a stay on his arrest.
Why it matters
The case highlights ongoing legal and political tensions regarding corruption investigations involving high-profile political figures in India.
The West Bengal government on Wednesday (August 19, 2026) told the Supreme Court that Sumit Roy, personal assistant to Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee, was allegedly not cooperating in the ongoing probe in connection with the Salboni land-grabbing case, and added that the police needed to interrogate him in custody.
The top court, on August 6, had stayed the arrest of Mr. Roy in connection with the land-grabbing case. It, however, directed him to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.
On August 3, the Calcutta High Court had rejected Mr. Roy's anticipatory bail plea in the alleged government land fraud case being investigated by the police.
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