CBI recovers cache of arms, ammunition in Sandeshkhali, calls in NSG bomb squad to dispose of suspected explosives

“Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has today recovered large number of arms and ammunitions including foreign made pistol and revolvers, during searches conducted at two premises in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas (West Bengal) in a case a related to violence against Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials,” a statement by the CBI read.

“A case was registered by the CBI in pursuance of the orders of the Hon’ble High Court of Calcutta in the matter of violence against the ED personnel during a search at the residential and official premises of SK Shahjahan,” the statement added.

“During investigation of this case, information was received that the items lost by the ED Team and other incriminating articles may be hidden at the residence of an associate of Sk. Shahjahan at Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas. Accordingly, the team of CBI along with CRPF personnel searched 2 premises at Village Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas today i.e. on 26/04/2024,” the statement further said.

What CBI found in Sandeshkhali

During searches, three foreign made revolvers, one Indian revolver, one Colt official police revolver, one foreign made pistol, one country made pistol, 120 nine mm bullets, 50 .45 calibre cartridges, 120 9 mm calibre cartridges, 50 .380 cartridges and eight .32 cartridges were found.

Besides, many incriminating documents related to Shahjahan have also been seized. Some items, suspected to be country made bombs have also been recovered which are being handled and disposed of by the teams from NSG. The search is still continuing.

Where were the raids carried out

According to sources, it was suspected that arms, ammunition and explosives were stored inside a house in the region’s Sarberia area. The locked house, which belongs to a local resident, was cordoned off.

The CBI officials reportedly brought in equipment to dig up the floor of the house. Later, in a surprising move, the bomb disposal squad of the National Security Guards (NSG) was called in. Though the CBI did not officially clarify why the NSG personnel were summoned, sources stated that they were brought to handle explosives or crude bombs suspected to be present in the house.

The NSG team deployed Explosive Ordnance Disposal Robot (EOD), a bomb disposal robot, to carry the suspected explosives out of the house and the process of disposal is on.

Why did CBI carry out raids in Sandeshkhali

The raids are being conducted a day after the CBI lodged an FIR in connection with land grabbing and sexual harassment allegations against a section of Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders, including Sheikh Shahjahan. Arrested by the West Bengal Police, Shahjahan is presently in CBI custody.

“Five influential people and unknown others from Sandeshkhali have been booked under the sections of land grabbing and sexual harassment,” said a source in the CBI.

As per officials, it is alleged that a woman faced sexual assault during a land dispute in the area. Following allegations of violence against women and land theft in Sandeshkhali, the Calcutta High Court ordered a CBI investigation overseen by the court on April 10.

‘Why is Mamata Banerjee trying to protect terrorists’

Meanwhile, BJP Co-incharge of West Bengal Amit Malviya took to X and wrote, “Mamata Banerjee, as Home Minister of West Bengal, must explain why is the state seeing huge stockpile of illegal weapons? It is dangerous. NSG has been deployed but WB Govt has approached the Supreme Court to preclude the CBI from investigating the matter. The arms haul is nothing but an act of terror, waging war against the nation. But the question is – why is Mamata Banerjee trying to protect terrorists who have stocked firearms in such large quantity?”

TMC’s rebuttal and case before Calcutta High Court

Kunal Ghosh, state secretary and spokesperson of TMC said, “The entire matter looks as if it is staged. Like a show is being put up.”

Notably, the high court had also directed the CBI to file a comprehensive report on the alleged illegal and forcible conversion of agricultural land into water bodies after conducting a thorough inspection of revenue records and physical inspection of the land parcels. The court will hear the matter next on May 2.

What led to Sandeshkhali limelight

On January 5, the ED officials were assaulted while they raided the home of TMC strongman and North 24 Parganas zilla parishad member Sheikh Shahjahan in Sandeshkhali.

While Shahjahan went on the run, women in Sandeshkhali started protesting and came out with allegations of sexual assault and land grabbing by a section of TMC leaders. Later, the accused TMC leaders were arrested and finally on February 29, Shahjahan was arrested by the West Bengal Police after absconding for 55 days.