Kolkata: A woman battling cancer complained to CM Suvendu Adhikari at his Janata Darbar on Wednesday that former CM Mamata Banerjee’s elder brother Ajit Banerjee had usurped three plots owned by her family — the first in 1999 and the last in 2017 — and narrated her struggle to get them back.Ranjana Hazra, a resident of 80B Harish Chatterjee Street, a short distance from Mamata’s home, also alleged that her brother Dipak Hazra was dragged to Kalighat police station for protesting the “illegal takeover” in 2017.“I spoke with the CM for two to three minutes. He heard me out and said he would soon send an official to verify the papers. I also handed him a letter explaining how I have been targeted since the Left Front era. I am feeling hopeful that I will finally get justice,” said Ranjana, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024.TOI could not contact Ajit for comments. Someone close to him, who refused to be identified, said, “These cases are being heard in court. We have nothing further to add. You may speak to residents of the area to know the truth.” Neighbours said they are aware of the long-running dispute, which is now sub judice.Acting on Ranjana’s petition, Calcutta High Court had in 2018 directed Kalighat police to register an FIR against Ajit and ordered deployment of cops at the disputed properties.“We have been living here for four generations. We have some thika land and some inherited properties. Our building material business was started long ago,” said Ranjana, who will turn 60 in a couple of months.She alleged the actions against her family were coordinated. “In 1999, the elder Banerjee (Ajit) forcibly took over one plot. Two more properties were later taken away,” she said.“I have a civil case pending in Alipore Court and a separate police case (against Ajit),” she said. “We went to police every time we were targetted, but the harassment only increased. As legal costs rose, I stopped attending court,” she said.Ranjana had spent a week gathering documents before she first tried to meet Adhikari on June 15. But the CM had too many visitors that day, she said. “My name was registered with CMO. I was told to be ready for the June 17 Janata Darbar, but the meeting did not happen as he had other engagements. On June 22, the CMO confirmed I could meet him on Wednesday,” Ranjana recalled.
