Mamata slams CBI over arms recovery in Sandeshkhali
The Hindu
Arms recovery by CBI from Sandeshkhali: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expresses scepticism regarding the raid, saying that the recovered items “might have been brought by officials of the central agency
A day after the Central Bureau of India (CBI) recovered a huge cache of arms from Sandeshkhali, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday expressed scepticism regarding the raid, saying that the recovered items “might have been brought by officials of the central agency”.
The seizure of foreign made arms from Sandeshkhali, which has been on the boil over allegations of land grab and sexual assault, has emerged as a political issue in the State amidst the Lok Sabha election.
“If a firecracker goes off in Bengal, the NIA, CBI, NSG are coming to investigate. It seems that a war is going on. The state police were not informed. It is not known what was found. There was no evidence. The seized items might have been brought by them (CBI) in a car,” the Trinamool Congress chairperson said addressing an election rally.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership in West Bengal has described the recovery of arms from Sandeshkhali in connection with the January attack on an Enforcement Directorate team by a mob allegedly instigated by now-suspended Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan as an “act of terror”.
BJP State spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya said Trinamool’s appeasement politics has led to “anti-national elements” having a free-run in the State.
Meanwhile, in another development the Trinamool leadership wrote to the Election Commission of India on the raid at Sandeshkhali calling it an “unscrupulous raid” on an “empty location” at Sandeshkhali during the second phase of polling in the state
The letter dated February 26, the party made a similar allegation as was made by the Chief Minister on Saturday .“It further iterated that in the absence of any representative of the state government, the purported recovery of arms and ammunition is possibly a ploy by the BJP in conspiracy with the CBI and the NSG to plant weapons in the site,” the letter by Trinamool said.
Ranya Rao, caught smuggling gold at Kempegowda International Airport, claimed innocence, but agencies suspect syndicate involvement.
World Sleep Day: More than 26% of professionals said they are getting less than six hours of sleep in the night, a problem even more pronounced among entrepreneurs.
Samuel Browne's botanical explorations in 17th-century Madras offer insights into traditional plant uses and changing flora over time.
CPS Abolition Movement protests in Dindigul urging State government to implement old pension scheme promised by DMK.
Union Finance Minister criticizes removal of Indian currency symbol '₹' in Tamil Nadu Budget 2025-26 documents, citing national unity concerns.
State government provides ₹100 crore to KMRL for Kakkanad extension, speeding up construction and addressing funding issues.
ED joins probe into gold smuggling case involving Kannada actor Ranya Rao, raids multiple locations in Bengaluru.
Bombay High Court questions Maharashtra government on failure to register FIR against police officers in custodial death case.
Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad faces backlash for suggesting those who have issues with Holi colours should leave the country.
Tamil Nadu sees improved Olive Ridley turtle nesting season with over 2.5 lakh eggs collected, efforts to protect marine life.
Speeding bus crash on Paramakudi-Madurai highway kills woman, injures 23; driver flees scene, causing critical injuries.
Transport Minister flags off private and KSRTC buses from Goshree islands to Kochi city, improving public transportation.
TSPSC clarifies Group-I Mains exam evaluation process, releases key statistics, and addresses misinformation, ensuring fairness and transparency.