Mamata vs CBI: How the drama unfolded in Kolkata and the politics behind it

Bengal CBI drama: Showdown started when CBI team showed up near the official residence of Rajeev Kumar to question him about progress of investigations in Saradha chit fund and Rose Valley Ponzi schem

A political crisis broke out in Kolkata on Sunday evening as West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee began a sit-in (dharna) accusing the Narendra Modi government of attempting a coup to destabilise her government. The controversy was sparked after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), controlled by the Union government, attempted to question Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar in connection with the ponzi scheme scam case.

The CBI on Monday moved the Supreme Court seeking Rajeev Kumar's cooperation with the investigation. The Supreme Court on Monday permitted CBI to bring the material on record and will hear its plea on Tuesday, according to news agency ANI.

What happened yesterday evening?

The showdown started when a 40-member CBI team showed up near the official residence of Rajeev Kumar at around 6 pm to question him about the progress of investigations in Saradha chit fund and Rose Valley ponzi scheme.

The drama intensified near Kumar's residence around 7 pm, as three deputy commissioners of Kolkata police and some officers of the anti-rowdy section reached the spot. Five CBI officers were bundled into three jeeps and taken to the Shakespeare Sarani police station.

Within a few hours of detention, the CBI officers were also released. 

Meanwhile, the Central Reserve Police Force troopers have been deployed at the CBI headquarters at CGO Complex as also at its city office Nizam Palace.

Why did CBI want to question Rajeev Kumar?

Rajeev Kumar, a 1989-batch IPS officer of West Bengal cadre was heading a SIT on the Saradha and Rose Valley scams.

CBI said that Kumar needs to be questioned regarding missing documents and files but he had not responded to notices to appear before the agency. The agency claimed that Kumar had been "absconding" and "being looked for" in connection with Saradha and Rose Valley ponzi scam cases.

CBI also accused Kumar of trying to destroy evidence in the case. 

Why did Kolata Police detain CBI officials?

The Kolkata Police justified the detention saying they wanted to check whether CBI had the required documents to question Kumar. 

The West Bengal government claimed that the CBI had no warrant to conduct the investigation and was part of a "secret operation."

The CBI, however, refuted the allegations and said they had all the requisite documents.  

Politics played out on the street 

A visibly angry Mamata Banerjee, who had earlier extented support to Kumar, also rushed to his house and alleged that National Security Advisor Ajit Doval was giving instructions to the CBI at the behest of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah.

She also announced that she would organise a sit-in in Kolkata's Esplanade area in order to "save the country and the Constitution."

"I will start a dharna (sit-in) at Dharamtala area to save institutions, Constitution and the federal structure of the country," she said.

She called the developments a 'blow' to the country's federal structure, and claimed that the Supreme Court in its judgement had said both central and state agencies can discuss mutually if they have any queries. In a rare exhortation, she also called upon security forces personnel of the centre and states, besides the Army to condemn the attitude of the Modi government.

Opposition backs Mamata; CPI(M) calls it 'drama' 

Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and DMK leader M K Stalin are among the Opposition leaders who extended their full support to Mamata Banerjee, saying the happenings in Bengal were part of the unrelenting attack on India's institutions by Narendra Modi and Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP).


However, CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury attacked both Banerjee and the BJP accusing both of "drama".

What now?

The CBI will approach the Supreme Court on Monday accusing the Bengal government of impeding the investigation of a court-ordered probe into the chit fund scams.

Trinamool spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien said his party would raise the matter in Parliament on Monday. She said a memorandum has been signed by all the Opposition parties and it will be submitted to the Election Commission.

BJP will also address a press conference on Tuesday over the ongoing tussle.