Who Is Sumit Roy, Abhishek Banerjee's 'Second-In-Command', Now Being Hunted By Cops In Land Case?

Last Updated:June 15, 2026, 15:35 IST

Known within party circles as Abhishek Banerjee’s closest confidant and trusted aide, Roy wielded significant influence despite never holding an elected position

For years, Sumit Roy remained one of the most powerful yet least visible figures in the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Known within party circles as Abhishek Banerjee’s closest confidant and trusted aide, Roy wielded significant influence despite never holding an elected position. Now, the man many insiders once described as the gatekeeper to the TMC leadership has found himself at the centre of political attention after his name surfaced in a police investigation linked to an alleged land-dealing case in West Bengal.

Childhood Friend Who Rose Alongside Abhishek

According to several TMC insiders, Roy and Abhishek Banerjee have known each other since their school days. As Abhishek’s political stature grew within the party, Roy remained part of his inner circle and became increasingly influential.

Leaders within the party claim that over the years, Roy’s influence extended beyond organisational matters and into administrative circles. Though he never held an elected position, many within the party viewed him as a key gatekeeper to Abhishek Banerjee.

The Man Many Had To Go Through To Reach Abhishek

One of the most common complaints among party workers and local leaders was that reaching Abhishek Banerjee directly was nearly impossible.

According to TMC insiders, anyone seeking an audience with Abhishek often had to first contact Roy. A district-level TMC leader told News18: “We came from the district to meet AB. Even after waiting for five hours, we could not meet him. We could not even meet Sumit."

Several party leaders claimed that securing an appointment with Roy itself was a difficult task. Sources further alleged that even senior administrative officials and high-ranking officers sometimes had to wait for hours to meet him.

The Second-In-Command

Party insiders say Roy commanded enormous influence within certain sections of the organisation. According to leaders familiar with the functioning of Abhishek Banerjee’s political office, instructions from the TMC leader were often communicated through Roy. Many claim that if someone was called for a meeting with Abhishek Banerjee, the communication frequently came through Roy.

Within sections of the party, he was reportedly referred to simply as the “boss’s second-in-command".

Key Role In Diamond Harbour

Sources within the party say Roy also played a significant role in managing organisational and constituency-related matters in Diamond Harbour, Abhishek Banerjee’s parliamentary constituency.

Local leaders claim that many administrative requests, political matters and constituency-related issues were routed through him. According to them, gaining access to decision-making channels often meant approaching Roy first.

His growing influence was visible even on social media, where supporter groups and fan clubs dedicated to him reportedly emerged over the years.

Why Are Police Looking For Him?

The renewed focus on Roy follows investigation into an alleged land-dealing case involving former TMC MLA and district party president Sujoy Hazra.

According to police sources, Roy’s name surfaced during questioning related to the case. Investigators subsequently attempted to trace him, leading a team from Salboni Police Station to visit Abhishek Banerjee’s Kolkata residence.

Police have not publicly disclosed the exact nature of Roy’s alleged connection to the case, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Kunal Ghosh’s Sharp Attack

The controversy has also triggered reactions from within the Trinamool Congress.

Senior TMC leader Kunal Ghosh criticised the manner in which police reached Abhishek Banerjee’s residence during the night. However, he simultaneously launched a sharp attack on Roy.

“TMC has suffered because of people like Roy. I protest how police came to Abhishek Banerjee’s residence at midnight, but I have no sympathy for Sumit Roy. Police should drag those who used to run his fan clubs as well," Ghosh said.

Insiders Begin Speaking Out

As police continue their search for Roy, several party insiders who had previously remained silent are now openly discussing his influence within the organisation.

For years, Sumit Roy remained largely invisible to the public despite being considered one of the most influential figures around Abhishek Banerjee. Now, with investigators looking for him in connection with a high-profile probe, the man many in the party once viewed as an untouchable power centre finds himself at the centre of a growing political controversy.

About the Author

Kamalika Sengupta

Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and women’s issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting...Read More

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