Rebel MLAs' complaint freezes ₹440 crore in TMC bank accounts

Kolkata: Three bank accounts of the Trinamool Congress containing deposits of nearly ₹440 crore have been placed under a debit freeze, with police informing that the accounts can no longer be used for withdrawals or fund transfers. A senior police officer said the action followed complaints filed by rebel MLAs and applies to three accounts maintained with a private bank. Deposits into the accounts, however, will continue to be allowed.

The development comes amid an escalating leadership and financial control dispute within the party after it lost power in West Bengal. Former minister Arup Biswas and Leader of the Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee have emerged as central figures in the internal conflict involving party chief Mamata Banerjee.

According to the complaint submitted by 10 rebel MLAs aligned with Banerjee at the Bidhannagar Cyber Crime Police Station, a detailed criminal investigation should be conducted into the source of the funds held in the accounts. The legislators have sought an inquiry into whether the deposits are linked to illegal financial transactions, diversion of government funds or proceeds of corruption.

The latest move follows a letter sent by Arup Biswas to the bank seeking restrictions on withdrawals from party accounts reportedly holding more than ₹500 crore until the leadership dispute is resolved. While Biswas sought a freeze on withdrawals, the rebel MLAs have demanded a broader investigation into the origin of the funds.

The complaints were filed at the same cybercrime police station that is investigating a case involving Biswas related to Lionel Messi’s proposed visit to Kolkata.

A separate dispute has also emerged over the party treasurer’s post. Kunal Ghosh said Biswas no longer has authority over financial matters and that Subhashish Chakraborty was unanimously elected treasurer at an executive committee meeting on June 5.