Kolkata, 27 February (H.S.): Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee has strongly criticized the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) after his name appeared in the agency’s 28-page supplementary chargesheet in the West Bengal recruitment scam case. Responding publicly for the first time on Thursday, he accused the CBI of acting like the BJP and attempting to tarnish his image.

The CBI’s chargesheet claims that an audio clip mentions the name Abhishek Banerjee. The clip reportedly also features the voices of former Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee and TMC MLA Manik Bhattacharya. The agency has sent the clip for forensic examination at the Central Forensic Science Laboratory, stating that multiple witnesses have verified its authenticity.

Speaking at a party event at Netaji Indoor Stadium in Kolkata, Abhishek Banerjee said, “The CBI has filed a 28-page chargesheet where my name appears twice. But they have not clarified who this Abhishek Banerjee is. Is he an MLA or an MP? Where does he live? Whose son is he? None of this is mentioned. The CBI is now thinking like the BJP.”

He further added, “When BJP leaders attack me, they never take my name directly; they refer to me as ‘Bhaipo’ (nephew). Now, the CBI is doing the same. If they have the courage, they should mention my full name and identity.”

Abhishek Banerjee had been questioned by the CBI in 2022 in connection with the recruitment scam. At that time, he was leading the ‘Nabojowar Yatra,’ but had to pause his campaign to appear for questioning at the CBI office in Kolkata’s Nizam Palace, where he was interrogated for 10 hours.

Recalling the incident on Thursday, he said, “The CBI questioned me for 10 hours. I said then, and I repeat today—if anyone can prove that I was directly or indirectly involved in any corruption, even for 10 paise, they won’t need to file a chargesheet. I will hang myself!”

Hindusthan Samachar / S P Singh