Kolkata: Following an order from the Calcutta High Court, the Central Bureau of Investigation has started a probe against allegations of illegal constructions in Kolkata. The central investigating agency on Saturday conducted searches at four premises in the Rajabazar area.
Earlier this week, the Calcutta High Court had directed the CBI to conduct a preliminary enquiry into allegations concerning a large number of completely unauthorised multi-storeyed buildings in Kolkata, including the alleged flow of crores of rupees into their construction and sale.
At least 50 such illegal buildings, in areas, including Beleghata, Maniktala, Rajabazar and Canal East Road, have been identified so far and the court has ordered the agency to submit the report by Oct 14. A report by the KMC identified 42 such structures as illegal.
CBI sources said that there are allegations that money was laundered under the garb of sale and purchase of these illegal properties. After reaching the area, CBI officials went upstairs through the building and spoke to local residents to gather information relevant to the investigation. On Saturday the CBI team reached the buildings already identified by the Kolkata Municipal Corporation.