CBI Raids in Sandeshkhali Uncover Arms Cache, NSG Commandos Deployed

The Central Bureau of Investigation on Friday conducted raids in West Bengal's Sandeshkhali, uncovering a cache of arms, including foreign-made pistols, and ammunition. The searches were initiated in connection with an attack on an Enforcement Directorate (ED) team allegedly by now suspended local Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan. The CBI raids are ongoing, with a team of NSG commandos deployed in the area.

The CBI, acting on intelligence, seized arms and ammunition, including foreign-made pistols, during raids across multiple locations in West Bengal. These raids followed inputs about a significant arsenal hidden in Sandeshkhali. The central agency recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition that include three foreign-made revolvers, one Indian revolver, one Colt Official Police revolver, one foreign-made pistol, and one country-made pistol, along with various types of cartridges totaling to 120 rounds of 9 mm bullets, 50 .45 calibre cartridges, 120 9 mm calibre cartridges, 50 .380 cartridges, and 8 .32 cartridges. Additionally, the search yielded incriminating documents related to former TMC leader SK Shahjahan. Furthermore, items suspected to be country-made bombs were also discovered, which are currently being handled and disposed of by teams from the National Security Guard (NSG). The search operation is still ongoing.

The central agency's probe stems from the attack on the ED team in Sandeshkhali, which resulted in injuries to three officials. Sheikh Shahjahan, the alleged mastermind behind the attack, was arrested by the West Bengal Police on February 29. The raids come amid mounting concerns over the law and order situation in Sandeshkhali, with allegations of criminal activities and exploitation. The CBI's investigation has prompted numerous complaints, particularly regarding land grabbing by politically influential individuals. The Calcutta High Court had directed the CBI to investigate various offenses in the Sandeshkhali region, including illegal land acquisitions and incidents of violence and sexual assault against women.

However, amidst the ongoing investigation, the West Bengal government has moved the Supreme Court challenging the Calcutta High Court's decision to hand over the case to the CBI. The matter is scheduled for hearing on April 29 before the Supreme Court's bench of justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Mehta.

The Sandeshkhali controversy has escalated as a significant political issue ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been actively campaigning in the state, accusing the ruling Trinamool Congress of negligence and shielding individuals involved in criminal activities. The BJP has fielded candidates, including Rekha Patra, who have alleged sexual assault, further intensifying the political battle in the region.