The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) uncovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including foreign-made pistols, during its ongoing findings at various locations in West Bengal’s Sandeshkhali. These raids are part of an investigation into an attack on an Enforcement Directorate (ED) team by a mob allegedly influenced by local Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan.
The assault on the ED team occurred on January 5 in Sandeshkhali, a riverine delta bordering the Sundarbans, as they conducted a raid on the premises of Sheikh Shahjahan regarding an alleged ration scam.
Following the incident, the CBI received intelligence indicating the presence of a substantial arms cache hidden in the area.
Prompted by these inputs, a CBI team commenced a search operation on Friday morning, resulting in the seizure of arms and ammunition. The recovery of foreign-made pistols underscores the seriousness of the situation and raises concerns about the prevalence of illegal weaponry in the region.
Furthermore, the Calcutta High Court’s intervention in the matter further underscores its gravity. Responding to multiple alleged offences in the Sandeshkhali region, including illegal land acquisitions and instances of violence and sexual assault against women, the High Court instructed the CBI to take over the investigation.
This move by the CBI comes amidst mounting apprehensions regarding the deteriorating law and order situation in Sandeshkhali. Reports of rampant criminal activities and exploitation of vulnerable populations have heightened concerns about the safety and security of residents in the area.
The FIRs registered by the CBI pertain to various aspects of the January 5 incident, including the attack on ED officers by a violent mob, allegations against ED officials leveled by the guard of suspended leader Sheikh Shahjahan, and a suo motu case registered by the Nazat police station regarding the attack on ED officers.
Following the attack, Sheikh Shahjahan was arrested by the West Bengal Police on February 29 in connection with the assault on the ED team. The incident, which involved a mob of around 1,000 people and resulted in injuries to three ED officials, prompted swift action from law enforcement authorities.
With the recovery of arms and ammunition, the investigation into the Sandeshkhali incident gains further momentum, highlighting the commitment of law enforcement agencies to uphold justice and ensure the safety of all citizens.
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