Kolkata: Expelled CPI(M) leader Ritabrata Banerjee on Tuesday failed to turn up for interrogation before the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
This was the second time that Banerjee skipped CID summons for deposing before them in connection with the allegations raised against him of sexually assaulting a woman on the pretext of marriage.
"He has sought 15 days more time in appearing for interrogation through a letter sent by his advocate. He has cited some personal reasons for his non appearance," a senior CID official said.
Banerjee did not turn up for interrogation earlier on Friday and had sent an email informing the state investigating agency of his inability to visit them citing personal reasons.
"We will shortly hold a meeting and decide on our next course of action as it seems that he is trying to evade us apprehending arrest," a CID officer said.
A CID team had gone to his Garfa residence on both the occasions and had pasted the summon notice on the door. The first summon was on Wednesday evening while the second was issued on Saturday.
Sources said that the CID officers are keeping a close watch on Ritabrata's movement and some of his associates. The complaint that was lodged against him with Balurghat police station alleges rape on the pretext of marriage.
It may be mentioned that last Tuesday, the woman went to Balurghat police station where she lodged a complaint against the expelled CPI(M) leader. The complainant came in touch with Ritabrata through Twitter in 2016 and met him in Bangalore. She alleged that he had taken her to his South Avenue Apartment in New Delhi where he committed the act. He had assured her that he would marry her and even went to her Balurghat residence to meet her mother, the woman claimed in her complaint.