Sandeshkhali case: CBI finds weapons cache in Sandeshkhali home; NSG commandos deployed

PTC News Desk: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has made significant strides in its probe regarding the recent tumultuous events in West Bengal’s Sandeshkhali. Following an attack on an Enforcement Directorate (ED) team by a mob allegedly provoked by local Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan, the CBI conducted raids across multiple locations in the region.

On Friday, the CBI uncovered a cache of arms, including foreign-manufactured pistols, and ammunition from a house in Sandeshkhali. The investigation is ongoing, with CBI officials meticulously combing through the area, including digging the soil within the targeted property.

The severity of the situation prompted the deployment of National Security Guard (NSG) commandos to the area, emphasising the gravity of the circumstances.

However, amidst these developments, the West Bengal government has moved to contest a Calcutta High Court decision that mandated a CBI investigation into allegations of land grabbing and sexual assault in Sandeshkhali. The matter is scheduled to be heard by the Supreme Court on April 29.

The genesis of the CBI’s involvement traces back to January 5, when, upon orders from the Calcutta High Court, the agency registered three FIRs concerning various offenses in the Sandeshkhali area. These offenses encompassed illegal land acquisitions, instances of violence, and reports of sexual assault against women.

The catalyst for these investigations was the attack on the ED team on January 5 while they were conducting a raid at the premises of Sheikh Shahjahan, purportedly related to an alleged ration scam. The assailants, reportedly numbering around 1,000, targeted the ED officials, resulting in injuries to three personnel. Subsequently, a complaint was lodged by a deputy director of the ED with the Basirhat superintendent of police.

The CBI’s intervention comes in the wake of mounting concerns over the deteriorating law and order situation in Sandeshkhali, where allegations of widespread criminal activities and the exploitation of vulnerable populations have surfaced.

In a subsequent development, Sheikh Shahjahan was apprehended by the West Bengal Police on February 29 in connection with the aforementioned attack, marking a significant development in the ongoing investigation.

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