Kolkata, May 24 -- Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee has sought 10 days' time from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) to submit documents related to properties linked to him and his company, "Leaps and Bounds", after the civic body issued notices over alleged unauthorised construction.
According to KMC sources, a letter was submitted to the corporation's building department on Saturday evening on behalf of the company, requesting additional time to furnish details and property-related records sought by the civic authorities. The letter stated that the company was prepared to cooperate and provide all necessary documents but needed more time to compile them.
The request comes a day after Abhishek faced questions from journalists regarding the alleged illegal constructions.
Responding to the queries on Friday, the Diamond Harbour MP said, "Specify which part of the building is illegal, then I will respond." KMC recently issued notices under Section 400 (1) of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation Act seeking approved building plans, construction documents and permissions for additional structures linked to properties on Kalighat Road and Harish Mukherjee Road associated with Banerjee and his company. Civic officials are examining whether any construction was carried out beyond sanctioned plans.
While initial reports mentioned two properties, several media reports later claimed notices had been sent in connection with as many as 17 properties, including some linked to Banerjee's relatives.
The issue has triggered a political row, with opposition parties demanding a detailed probe into the alleged illegal constructions. A section of the Trinamool Congress, however, has alleged that the move is politically motivated.
Civic sources indicated that the KMC was inclined to grant the time sought by the company.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.