The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) launched a series of raids across West Bengal, specifically in Sandeshkhali, unearthing a cache of arms and ammunition, including a foreign-manufactured pistol. The operation, conducted on Friday, saw the involvement of National Security Guard (NSG) personnel at the targeted sites.

This investigative action stems from the notorious Sandeshkhali incident, where supporters of former Trinamool Congress leader Shahjahan Sheikh attacked an Enforcement Directorate (ED) team on January 5. The ED officials were conducting raids on Sheikh's premises in connection with an alleged ration scam when the violent confrontation occurred.

The CBI, during raid, in connection with the attack on ED officials, recovers huge amount of arms and ammunition from Sariberia, in Sandeshkhali.

Mamata Banerjee, as Home Minister of West Bengal, must explain why is the state seeing huge stockpile of illegal weapons? It is… pic.twitter.com/6CkWUObovZ

— Amit Malviya (????? ?? ??????) (@amitmalviya) April 26, 2024

Intelligence gathered by the CBI revealed the presence of a substantial arsenal concealed within Sandeshkhali. Acting on this information, the CBI initiated a search operation, resulting in the recovery of various weapons, notably a foreign-manufactured pistol. The agency had been directed by the Calcutta High Court to register three FIRs relating to the January 5 incidents.

These FIRs, filed by the Nazat police station, pertain to the assault on ED officials by a mob, accusations leveled against ED personnel by the security detail of suspended TMC leader Sheikh, and the subsequent attack on ED officials. Sheikh was apprehended by the West Bengal Police in February following the violent episode that left three ED officials injured.

The timing of the CBI raids is notable, coinciding with the second phase of Lok Sabha elections taking place across several states, including West Bengal.