Mamata Government Files Supreme Court Challenge to CBI Raid, NSG Bomb Squad Stationed in Sandeshkhali
Kolkata: Shortly before the Lok Sabha elections, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) carried out a raid in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal. It is purported that a significant amount of weapons and ammo was found in the home of a TMC leader's relative. The NSG bomb team was then dispatched to the region. The West Bengal administration has challenged the High Court's ruling authorizing the raids and has petitioned the Supreme Court in opposition to the CBI's actions. On April 29, the Justice BR Gavai-led Supreme Court panel will consider this petition.
The incident at Sandeshkhali is related to the Basirhat Lok Sabha constituency, where June 1 elections are planned. The BJP has nominated Rekha Patra, a victim of the Sandeshkhali incident, for this seat. Shahjahan Shaikh, a suspended Trinamool leader, and his cronies mistreated her. Based on specific information, CBI agents and central security personnel carried out the search operation in the Sarberia neighborhood of Sandeshkhali block. Hafeezul Khan, a member of the local TMC panchayat, had a relative who owned the target residence. During the raid, many bombs that were kept in the residence were found. The operation was made easier by the use of a bomb-scanning gadget, and the NSG bomb squad was summoned for additional examination.
CBI's Investigation
Earlier, CBI had registered an FIR in the Sandeshkhali case based on a complaint received via email. The FIR names five individuals, while others remain unidentified. A 10-member CBI team visited Sandeshkhali to investigate cases of violence against women and land grabbing. They interacted with victims' families and recorded their statements. Additionally, the team visited Sandeshkhali police station to review the investigation report.
Political Response
The TMC has criticized the raid, calling it a well-planned conspiracy to manipulate the Sandeshkhali issue before the elections. Trinamool Congress spokesperson Kunal Ghosh accused the opposition of staging a pre-planned drama to influence voting. The incident comes after previous violence in the area, where women accused Shahjahan Sheikh and his associates of land grabbing and sexual harassment.
Background
Sandeshkhali gained attention after an attack on an Enforcement Directorate (ED) team. Women in the area accused Shahjahan Sheikh of land grabbing and harassment. Left and BJP parties protested against the Mamata government for its handling of the matter. The Kolkata High Court's order led to Shahjahan Sheikh's arrest. Recently, victims of violence, including five women from Sandeshkhali, met President Draupadi Murmu, highlighting the issues faced in the region. Dr. Partha Biswas of the Center for SC/ST Support and Research mentioned rapid demographic changes in Sandeshkhali and alleged external involvement in the ED attack.