CBI seizes arms and ammunition from a residence in Sandeshkhali, deploys NSG commandos
- In Reports
- 08:10 PM, Apr 26, 2024
- Myind Staff
During its searches at various locations in West Bengal's Sandeshkhali, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) discovered arms, including foreign-made pistols, and ammunition at a house.
The searches were conducted in connection with an attack on an Enforcement Directorate team by a mob reportedly incited by local Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan. The raids are ongoing, with a CBI team excavating the soil inside the house.
The area has been placed under the deployment of a team of National Security Guard commandos. However, the West Bengal government has filed a challenge in the Supreme Court against the Calcutta High Court's decision directing a CBI investigation into allegations of land grabbing and sexual assault in Sandeshkhali. The Supreme Court's bench of justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Mehta will hear the matter on April 29.
Following the directives of the Calcutta High Court, the CBI registered three FIRs related to the incidents on January 5. The high court intervened and instructed the CBI to assume control of the investigation into various alleged offences in the Sandeshkhali region. These offences purportedly include illegal land acquisitions and instances of violence and sexual assault against women.
On January 5, a team from the ED was assaulted in Sandeshkhali, a riverine delta adjacent to the Sundarbans, while conducting a raid at the residence of Sheikh Shahjahan in connection with an alleged ration scam.
According to officials, CBI during its investigation, received information about a significant stockpile of weapons concealed in Sandeshkhali. Subsequently, on Friday morning, a CBI team initiated a search operation, during which they seized the arms, including foreign-made pistols, as reported by news agency PTI.
The CBI's action follows increasing apprehension regarding the worsening law and order scenario in Sandeshkhali, amidst allegations of widespread criminal activities and the exploitation of vulnerable communities.
The West Bengal Police apprehended Sheikh Shahjahan on February 29 in relation to the assault incident. Following an attack by a mob of approximately 1,000 individuals, during which three officials from the Enforcement Directorate sustained injuries, a complaint was lodged by a deputy director of the agency to the superintendent of police in Basirhat.
Image source: Hindustan Times
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