Kolkata: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted a raid in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal, just before the Lok Sabha elections. A large quantity of arms and ammunition was allegedly recovered from the house of a relative of a TMC leader. Following this, the NSG bomb squad was deployed to the area. The West Bengal government has approached the Supreme Court against the CBI's action, challenging the High Court's order allowing the raids. The Supreme Court bench headed by Justice BR Gavai will hear this petition on April 29.

Sandeshkhali Incident:
Sandeshkhali falls under the Basirhat Lok Sabha constituency, where elections are scheduled for June 1. Rekha Patra, a victim of the Sandeshkhali incident, has been nominated by the BJP for this seat. She was victimized by Shahjahan Shaikh, a suspended Trinamool leader, and his associates. CBI officials, along with central security forces, conducted the search operation in the Sarberia area of Sandeshkhali block, acting on concrete information. The target house was owned by a relative of local TMC panchayat member Hafeezul Khan. The raid uncovered numerous bombs stored in the house. A bomb-scanning device was used to facilitate the operation, and the NSG bomb squad was called in for further investigation.

CBI's Investigation:
Earlier, CBI had registered an FIR in the Sandeshkhali case based on a complaint received via email. The FIR names five individuals, while others remain unidentified. A 10-member CBI team visited Sandeshkhali to investigate cases of violence against women and land grabbing. They interacted with victims' families and recorded their statements. Additionally, the team visited Sandeshkhali police station to review the investigation report.

Political Response:
The TMC has criticized the raid, calling it a well-planned conspiracy to manipulate the Sandeshkhali issue before the elections. Trinamool Congress spokesperson Kunal Ghosh accused the opposition of staging a pre-planned drama to influence voting. The incident comes after previous violence in the area, where women accused Shahjahan Sheikh and his associates of land grabbing and sexual harassment.

Background:
Sandeshkhali gained attention after an attack on an Enforcement Directorate (ED) team. Women in the area accused Shahjahan Sheikh of land grabbing and harassment. Left and BJP parties protested against the Mamata government for its handling of the matter. The Kolkata High Court's order led to Shahjahan Sheikh's arrest. Recently, victims of violence, including five women from Sandeshkhali, met President Draupadi Murmu, highlighting the issues faced in the region. Dr. Partha Biswas of the Center for SC/ST Support and Research mentioned rapid demographic changes in Sandeshkhali and alleged external involvement in the ED attack.

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