A large crowd of 800-1000 people brutally attacked officers from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in West Bengal on Friday, leaving three officials severely injured and raising concerns about political interference and state security.
The Incident:
- The attack occurred in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas district, near Kolkata.
- The ED team, accompanied by Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel, was searching three premises belonging to Trinamool Congress leader Sahajahan Sheikh in connection with an alleged Public Distribution Scam.
- As per the ED’s statement, while they were trying to open a locked door, a mob gathered within half an hour and launched a violent assault.
- The attackers, armed with sticks, stones, and bricks, caused grievous injuries to three ED officials and snatched their personal belongings, including mobile phones, wallets, laptops, and cash.
- ED vehicles were also damaged in the chaos.
Political Firestorm:
- Trinamool Congress: The ruling party in West Bengal called the incident a “BJP conspiracy” and claimed “unruly elements attached with the central agencies provoked locals.” They stated their commitment to non-violence but alleged deliberate attempts to create a “law and order” situation and defame the state. Opens in a new window commons.wikimedia.org Trinamool Congress symbol
- BJP: The opposition party condemned the attack, blaming Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for fostering an environment where criminals like Sheikh Shahjahan operate with impunity, even employing illegal immigrants as henchmen. They highlighted the incident as a threat to national security due to the state government’s alleged failure to maintain law and order. Opens in a new window en.wikipedia.org BJP symbol
Governor’s Intervention:
- West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose strongly condemned the attack, calling it “ghastly,” “alarming,” and “deplorable.” He emphasized the government’s responsibility to prevent such violence and vandalism in a democracy, warning that the Constitution will intervene if the state fails to fulfill its basic duty. Opens in a new window en.wikipedia.org CV Ananda Bose, West Bengal Governor
Key Points to Remember:
- The motive behind the attack remains unclear, with both parties trading accusations.
- The scale and intensity of the violence raise concerns about political interference and the safety of investigating officials.
- The incident has sparked a larger debate about law and order in West Bengal and the role of the state government in addressing such situations.
- The Governor’s intervention highlight