'Trinamool Congress Lodges Complaint Against CBI and NSG
On Saturday, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) filed a complaint with the Election Commission (EC) against the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the National Security Guard (NSG). The TMC, led by Mamata Banerjee, alleged that the CBI conducted 'unscrupulous raids at empty locations in the state on vote day (April 26).'
Complaint Details
The complaint specifically accused the CBI of raiding an empty location in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal, on poll day, with the intent of tarnishing the image of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) during the upcoming Lok Sabha Elections in 2024.
The TMC expressed doubt about the authenticity of the weapons seized by the CBI and NSG, questioning whether they were genuinely recovered or planted.
Furthermore, the complaint criticized the CBI for failing to provide prior notice to the State Government or police authorities before conducting the raid, despite the fact that 'law and order' falls within the State's jurisdiction. It also questioned the omission of the State Police's fully functional bomb disposal squad, which could have assisted in the operation.
CBI Raids and Seizures
The complaint was prompted by the CBI's seizure of arms and ammunition, including a police service revolver and foreign-made firearms, from the premises of an associate of now-suspended TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan in West Bengal's Sandeshkhali on Friday. The searches were part of an investigation into the January attack on an Enforcement Directorate (ED) team by a mob allegedly instigated by Sheikh.
Political Fallout
The TMC's complaint reflects the ongoing political battle between the ruling party and the opposition BJP in West Bengal. BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari called for the TMC to be declared a 'terrorist organization' and for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to be arrested. He alleged that the weapons seized in Sandeshkhali were foreign and connected to international terrorists.
Adhikari also accused Banerjee of being responsible for the Sandeshkhali incident, demanding her arrest.
Legal Developments
In a related development, the Bengal government has approached the Supreme Court to challenge the CBI probe in Sandeshkhali. Additionally, National Security Guard bomb squads have deployed in Sandeshkhali following the discovery of arms and explosives.'
