Agency (New Delhi): In a recent escalation of tension in West Bengal, an Enforcement Directorate (ED) team faced a violent mob attack during a raid at the residence of a Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader in the North 24 Parganas district, leading to a severe political controversy. The incident, which resulted in significant damage to ED vehicles and grievous injuries to three officers, drew sharp criticism from Governor CV Ananda Bose, who emphasized that West Bengal is not a “banana republic.”
The ED officers, supported by Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, were conducting a raid in Sandeshkhali in connection with a ration distribution scam involving TMC leader Sheikh Shajahan, who is believed to be a close associate of arrested state minister Jyotipriyo Mallick. As the team arrived at Shajahan’s residence, they were met with resistance from a large mob, allegedly instigated by Shajahan and his associates. The attackers, numbering around 800 to 1,000, were armed with sticks, stones, and bricks, and they not only physically assaulted the officers but also snatched their personal and official belongings.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has condemned the attack, calling it a direct assault on India’s federal structure and questioning the continuation of TMC governance in the state. BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia even called for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s resignation in light of the incident. Meanwhile, the Congress party urged the imposition of President’s Rule in West Bengal, citing the deteriorating law and order situation.
Governor Bose expressed his intent to explore constitutional options and take appropriate action, urging the state police to address the lawlessness. He criticized the state government’s inability to contain the turmoil, emphasizing the need for effective action against such “barbarism and vandalism.”
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs is reportedly taking the incident seriously, and BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar has requested an immediate National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe. The Opposition Leader Suvendu Adhikari and State Congress President Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury have echoed the sentiments of lawlessness under TMC rule.
In response, TMC officials, including senior minister Shashi Panja, accused the ED officials of inciting the locals, leading to the situation. TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh defended the state’s law and order situation, comparing it favorably to other states.
The incident has not only stirred a political firestorm but also raised concerns about the safety of federal agencies and the overall law and order situation in West Bengal. The investigation into the attack and the broader implications for state-central relations continue to unfold.