NSG Bomb Squads Deployed in Sandeshkhali Following Arms Discovery

Kolkata: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Friday conducted a raid on a residence in Sandeshkhali, West Bengal, in connection to the assault on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers on January 5. The ED team was targeted while en route to conduct a raid on the property of suspended Trinamool Congress leader, Sheikh Shahjahan, who is currently in jail.

A 10-member CBI squad raided a house in Sarberia, Sandeshkhali, belonging to Abu Taleb, a relative of local Trinamool Congress leader Hafizul Khan, a close aide of Sheikh Shahjahan.

Assisted by central security forces, the CBI seized arms, ammunition, and multiple explosives within the premises.

Bomb squads from the National Security Guard (NSG) arrived at the location following the discovery. Acting on a tip-off, investigators also employed bomb scanning equipment to detect any hidden explosives.

The raid is currently underway.

Sheikh Shahjahan, a former Trinamool Congress heavyweight, was arrested on February 29 after evading authorities for 55 days in connection to the assault on the ED team. His arrest followed a scathing rebuke from the Calcutta High Court, which urged immediate action against him. Subsequently, the West Bengal Police handed over his custody to the CBI.

In addition to the ED case, Sheikh Shahjahan faces allegations of sexual harassment and land encroachment by multiple women in Sandeshkhali.