States » EastPosted at: Sep 20 2026 5:56PM


CBI raids Kolkata areas over illegal construction allegations after HC order

Kolkata, Sep 20 (UNI) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Sunday launched raids at several locations in Kolkata as part of its probe into allegations of widespread illegal construction following an order of the Calcutta High Court.
CBI teams conducted searches in Rajabazar, Keshab Chandra Sen Street, Narkeldanga, Amherst Street, Tangra, Maniktala and Beleghata, among other areas.
The investigation relates to allegations that more than 50 houses were illegally constructed in parts of Beliaghata, Maniktala, Rajabazar and along Canal East Road.
A report submitted by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) had identified 42 such constructions as illegal.
A case was subsequently filed before the High Court, alleging that although demolition of the unauthorised structures had been ordered earlier, no effective action was taken.
The petition also alleged large-scale corruption involving several thousand crores of rupees, besides claims of money laundering and illegal investment of foreign currency in the construction business.
There were further allegations that several structures had come up without the minimum permissions required from the authorities.
The issue of national security was also raised before the court, with the petitioner claiming that unchecked illegal construction could have security implications.
On September 11, a division bench headed by the Chief Justice directed the CBI to investigate the allegations.
The court also allowed the agency to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT), if necessary, for the probe.
The CBI has been directed to submit a preliminary report before the court by October 14.
The bench had also questioned why the administration had not initiated action on its own against the allegedly illegal constructions.
The court asked why neither the KMC nor the state government had conducted a suo motu inquiry despite the alleged violations.
The court observed that action should have been initiated by the civic authorities or the state administration and ordered the CBI probe into the allegations.
UNI BGA/SAG NST BM
Tags: #CBI raids Kolkata areas over illegal construction allegations after HC order
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