CID summons Arjun Singh day ahead of bypolls in 4 years old corruption case

The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has summoned BJP leader and former MP Arjun Singh on November 12, just one day before the by-election for the Naihati Assembly constituency. By-elections for six assembly seats, including Naihati, are scheduled for November 13, with the campaign period concluding on the evening of November 11.

According to sources, the CID’s summons is tied to a four-year-old financial corruption case dating back to Arjun Singh's tenure as chairman of the Bhatpara Municipality. Singh, who was then affiliated with the Trinamool Congress, reportedly faced allegations of a ₹4.5 crore tender corruption. Since joining the BJP in 2019, Singh has encountered multiple calls for investigation, including a similar summons by the CID in 2021.

Singh’s political allies, however, perceive the timing of the summons as an attempt at political pressure. State opposition leader Suvendu Adhikari accused the CID of political motivation, suggesting that Singh was targeted to influence the Naihati election near Bhatpara. In this region, Singh maintains significant influence. Adhikari questioned why Singh was summoned a day after the campaign ended, suggesting it was to disrupt the BJP’s momentum and intimidate its leaders.

In response to the summons, Arjun Singh stated, “They have called Arjun Singh to intimidate him. But Arjun Singh is not afraid.” However, Singh refrained from revealing whether he plans to appear at CID headquarters in Bhavani Bhavan on the scheduled date.