- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:14 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Income Tax Department on Friday held early morning raids in multiple locations, including Trinamool Congress leader and Rashbehari candidate Debasish Kumar’s residence and offices in Kolkata, as election tensions in West Bengal are at an all-time high.
Several officials, along with Central forces, were present as the officials searched Kumar's place of residence (Manoharpukur Road) and Kumar's election and party office at around 6 am, reported PTI.
TMC supporters protested by chanting slogans following the raid on the Motilal Nehru Road party office. According to a Jagran report, the party workers claim officials entered without notice, photocopied crucial electoral documents (BLA and agent files), and attempted to steal them for the gain of the BJP candidate Swapan Dasgupta (Rashbehari).
The BJP vehemently denies the allegation of political vendetta and insists that central agency activity is conducted autonomously from the political arena.
Kumar, who was at the office during the searches, has been investigated previously by the Enforcement Directorate related to land issues. He has been interviewed numerous times by the ED this month.
The ED is looking to determine whether Kumar had received financial support from businessman Amit Gangopadhyay, whose property was also recently searched by the ED, said officials. He was summoned for questioning at the CGO Complex in Salt Lake three times this month, on April 1, 3, and 9, in a case related to land encroachment.
Polling for the Rashbehari district will take place in the second stage of the state assembly elections on April 29, and counting of votes will take place on May 4.