Why Trinamool-Run Kolkata Civic Body Is Probing Abhishek Banerjee’s Properties For Violations

Last Updated:May 20, 2026, 20:07 IST

Questions have arisen over why the TMC-run Kolkata Municipal Corporation issued notices to properties linked to Lok Sabha MP Abhishek Banerjee, one of the party’s top leaders.

Kolkata’s civic body, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, this week issued notices to several properties allegedly linked to Banerjee and his family members, seeking sanctioned building plans and related documents for scrutiny.

The move has triggered political ripples within the ruling party because the KMC itself is run by the All India Trinamool Congress, raising questions over why the civic body initiated scrutiny against one of the party’s top leaders just days after the BJP came to power in West Bengal.

News agency PTI reported that notices were sent in connection with 17 to 21 properties allegedly linked to Banerjee, his relatives and a company, to verify whether the constructions conform with approved civic plans.

Amid the controversy, Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim on Wednesday sought to distance himself from the notices, asserting that such matters fall under the civic body’s executive wing and not elected representatives.

“This does not fall under my jurisdiction. The person who received the notice can explain the matter better. I cannot comment on a personal issue. I am here only to explain the laws of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation," Hakim told reporters on the sidelines of Assembly proceedings.

Hakim also said elected representatives in the KMC are “policy makers", while executive decisions such as building approvals and determining whether structures are illegal are handled through the municipal commissioner.

The issue is learnt to have reached TMC chief Mamata Banerjee, who held a meeting with Hakim and members of the Mayor-in-Council and expressed displeasure over the development.

Mamata sought an explanation on how and why notices were issued to properties linked to the Diamond Harbour MP. Hakim is learnt to have told the meeting that he had no prior knowledge of the notices.

The properties under scrutiny reportedly include Banerjee’s residence at 188A Harish Mukherjee Road, an adjacent building on Kalighat Road and several other premises located at:

• Premendra Mitra Sarani
• Panditiya Road
• Ustad Aamir Khan Sarani

According to civic officials, the notices were issued under Section 400(1) of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation Act, 1980, which empowers authorities to seek explanations regarding alleged unauthorised construction and provide property owners with an opportunity to present their case.

The notices seek approved building plans, documents related to construction activity and clarification on whether permissions were obtained for additions or modifications, including installations such as lifts and escalators.

KMC officials said submitted documents would be examined to determine whether any deviation from sanctioned plans or civic norms had taken place.

Meanwhile, BJP leader and state Municipal Affairs and Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul said Banerjee was “not above the law" and claimed illegal properties linked to TMC leaders were being identified.

“Bring the plans. Otherwise, we will take action. You are not above the law," she said.

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