Who Is Sumit Roy? The Powerful Abhishek Banerjee Aide Now Under The Police Radar

Last Updated:June 14, 2026, 14:25 IST

Sumit Roy has been known in political circles as Abhishek Banerjee's close confidant and trusted aide. Party insiders often describe him as Abhishek's "shadow".

The late-night visit by a team from Salboni Police Station to the Kolkata residence of Trinamool Congress National General Secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee has once again brought attention to a figure who has largely remained away from public view but is widely regarded within the party as one of the most influential people around the TMC leadership – Sumit Roy.

For years, Roy has been known in political circles as Abhishek Banerjee’s close confidant and trusted aide. Party insiders often describe him as Abhishek’s “shadow", someone who stood by him from his early political years and gradually emerged as one of the most powerful unelected figures within the Trinamool Congress. But, who is he?

Childhood friend who grew with Abhishek’s rise

According to several TMC insiders, Sumit Roy and Abhishek Banerjee have known each other since their school days. As Abhishek’s influence within the party expanded, Roy remained part of his inner circle and steadily became a significant figure in the organisation.

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

The man many had to approach before meeting Abhishek

One of the recurring complaints among party workers and local leaders was that reaching Abhishek Banerjee directly was often difficult.

According to multiple TMC insiders, those seeking an audience with the party leader frequently had to establish contact with Roy first.

A district-level TMC leader told News18, “We came from the district to meet Abhishek Banerjee. 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 was itself a challenge. Sources further alleged that even senior administrative officials and high-ranking officers sometimes had to wait for hours to meet him.

Seen as the ‘second-in-command’

Party insiders say Roy wielded considerable influence within sections of the organisation.

According to leaders familiar with the functioning of Abhishek Banerjee’s political office, instructions from the TMC leader were often conveyed through Roy. Many claim that when meetings with Abhishek Banerjee were scheduled, the communication frequently came through him.

Within sections of the party, Roy was informally referred to as the “second-in-command" to the “boss". Leaders say that for many, reaching Abhishek Banerjee often meant going through Sumit Roy.

Role in Diamond Harbour affairs

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

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

His growing influence was reflected 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 comes amid an 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 in connection with the case. Investigators subsequently attempted to trace him, leading a team from Salboni Police Station to visit Abhishek Banerjee’s residence in Kolkata.

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

TMC criticises police action

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

Senior TMC leader Kunal Ghosh criticised the manner in which police personnel arrived at Abhishek Banerjee’s residence during the night. At the same time, he launched a sharp attack on Roy.

“TMC has suffered because of people like Sumit. 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.

Party insiders begin speaking out

As police continue efforts to locate Roy, several party insiders who had previously remained silent have begun openly discussing his influence within the organisation.

For years, Sumit Roy remained largely invisible to the public despite being regarded by many within the party as one of the most influential figures around Abhishek Banerjee.

With investigators now looking for him in connection with a high-profile probe, the man once seen by many in the party as an untouchable power centre has found himself at the centre of an escalating 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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