A day after the Central Bureau of Investigation seized weapons, including foreign-made pistols, during raids at multiple locations in West Bengal's Sandeshkhali, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee lashed out at the central agencies, saying there is “no evidence” of weapons seizure. Expressing skepticism over the operations, Mamata Banerjee said the CBI carried out the raids without informing the state police and that the recovered items “may have been brought by central agency officials”.
“When fireworks go off in Bengal, the NIA, CBI and NSG come to investigate. It looks like there's a war going on. State police have not been notified. It is not known what was found. There was no evidence. allegedly brought the seized items (CBI) in a car,” Banerjee said.
Mamata Banerjee's comments came during an election rally in support of TMC candidate from Asansol Lok Sabha constituency, Shatrughan Sinha. The West Bengal government on Friday approached the Supreme Court after the National Security Guard (NSG) commandos along with the CBI reached Sandeshkhali.
“Today I heard that an incident took place near Sandeshkhali. A BJP leader had stored bombs in his house. They think they can win the elections by cutting (school) jobs and with bombs. We want 'roti, kapda, makaan' and jobs for the people, not their lofty speeches,” the chief minister added.
Sandeshkhali has been at the center of a political storm since January 2024, when a team from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) was attacked by a mob allegedly instigating local TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh. As things escalated, the women of the area accused Shahjahan Sheikh and his aides of sexual harassment and land grabbing. The CBI arrested him on February 29.
Prime Minister Modi mentions Sandeshkhali's 'atrocities' in his Lok Sabha election speech
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has cornered the TMC-led West Bengal government over the Sandeshkhali issue, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi attacking Mamata Banerjee during his Lok Sabha election rallies. In March, Prime Minister Modi also visited the Sandeshkhali area and met the victims of alleged harassment.
“So many atrocities were committed against women in Sandeshkhali and the TMC government continued to protect the main accused till the end,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said at an election rally in Malda.
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Published: Apr 27, 2024 8:24 PM IST