Debasish Kumar came under scrutiny on Friday, April 17, after the Income Tax Department India carried out searches at two of his linked premises in south Kolkata, officials said. The action comes just weeks before the West Bengal Assembly elections, intensifying political tensions in the state.

Search operations began early in the morning at Kumar’s residence on Manoharpukur Road and his election office in the Rashbehari constituency. Another ruling party leader, Kumar Saha, was also subjected to searches as part of the same operation. Mamata Banerjee Announces Resolution To Remove BJP From Power at Centre After Winning West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026.

Income Tax Department Raids Debasish Kumar

Officials said the searches began around 6 am and continued through the day. Security personnel were deployed outside the premises as crowds of supporters gathered, leading to brief tensions in the area. The Income Tax Department has not officially disclosed the reason behind the searches, and investigations are ongoing.

The development comes shortly after the Enforcement Directorate questioned Debasish Kumar multiple times in connection with an alleged land fraud case. Officials had earlier examined possible financial links between Kumar and businessman Amit Gangopadhyay, whose property was also searched by central agencies. TMC Accuses Humayun Kabir of INR1,000 Crore Deal With BJP, AAUP Chief Hits Back (Watch Video).

Kumar had appeared before the ED on April 1, April 3, and April 9 for questioning in the ongoing investigation.

The raids triggered immediate protests from Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers, who gathered outside the affected premises and raised slogans against the central government. TMC spokesperson Jay Prakash Majumdar questioned the timing of the searches, saying they were politically motivated given the proximity to elections.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) defended the investigations, with party leader Rahul Sinha alleging corruption and demanding strict action.

Debasish Kumar is contesting the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections from the Rashbehari constituency, where polling is scheduled for April 29. Vote counting is set for May 4. The constituency has become a key political battleground, with BJP fielding columnist Swapan Dasgupta as its candidate.

Kumar, who is also a member of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation’s mayor-in-council, has been under investigation in connection with alleged irregularities in land transactions. The ED has previously searched multiple locations linked to real estate entities in Kolkata and Salt Lake as part of a broader probe. Officials said the investigation is ongoing, and further action will depend on the findings of the search operations.

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