TMC lodges complaint against CBI over raid after arms recovery in Sandeshkhali

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal has filed a complaint with the Election Commission of India against the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for what it alleges was an "unscrupulous raid" aimed at damaging the party's reputation during the ongoing Lok Sabha election.

The TMC also called for guidelines to prevent central agencies from taking action against political parties during elections.

This move follows a CBI operation in Sandeshkhali where a significant cache of arms and ammunition, including foreign-made revolvers and pistols, was recovered from a residence reportedly linked to a close associate of TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan. The CBI enlisted the assistance of the National Security Guard (NSG) bomb disposal squad to handle the seized weapons.

In its complaint to the Election Commission, the TMC expressed concern that the CBI did not coordinate with the state government or local police before conducting the raid, despite law and order being under the state's jurisdiction. The party also questioned the need for the NSG's bomb disposal squad when the state police had a functioning unit available.

The TMC further alleged that there was uncertainty surrounding the authenticity of the weapons recovery, suggesting that they may have been planted by the CBI or NSG. The party accused the BJP of politicizing central investigative agencies to tarnish its image and influence voters in favor of the BJP.

The letter to the Election Commission urged immediate action, including issuing guidelines to prevent central agencies from targeting political parties during elections and instructing agencies and the media to refrain from mentioning the TMC in their reporting.

According to the CBI, the seized items included several firearms, ammunition, and incriminating documents related to Sheikh Shahjahan.