Abhishek Banerjee accuses ED of ‘framing him with false evidence’, says ‘won’t bow before powers in Delhi’

TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee claims ED planted false evidence in computers during raids. He asserted no threats would make him bow to Delhi's powers. He accused those engaging in media trials of not believing in due process or having patience for it. He vowed to fight with head held high and not surrender to Delhi. He also promised to walk to gallows if any evidence of wrongdoings is found.

Senior Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee on August 28 claimed that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) planted false evidence in computers during its recent raids and asserted that no amount of threats would force him to bow his head before the powers in New Delhi.

Mr. Banerjee, the TMC national general secretary, said when he was travelling abroad for medical treatment, canards were spread in West Bengal he would not return to the country.

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"A day after I returned, ED officials were sent for a raid. During the raid, they downloaded 16 files to a computer. Now, if the CBI visits the same place after another seven days and discovers those files, the smear campaign will begin, " he said while addressing a rally in Kolkata.

Mr. Banerjee was referring to the ED searches on August 21 at multiple places in Kolkata and its neighbourhood for over eight hours in connection with its investigation into the school jobs scam.

Among the places searched was an office of a private company in the posh New Alipore area in the southern part of the city.

The two-time MP, who is the nephew of West Bengal Chief Minister and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, said that those engaging in media trials either do not believe in the due process of law or do not have the patience for it.