Last evening, the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in Bengal officially lodged a complaint with the Election Commissioner against the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), alleging that the CBI is “throttling” the campaigns of the Opposition, including its own, during the ongoing elections.

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After the Bengal government challenged a Calcutta High Court order directing a CBI investigation into allegations of extortion, land grab, and sexual assault in Sandeshkhali involving now-suspended Trinamool leader Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates, they approached the Supreme Court last Friday. Following the CBI’s raids on hideouts linked to suspects in the case, the federal agency discovered foreign-made weapons and ammunition, prompting the deployment of teams of elite National Security Guard (NSG) commandos to the location.

The party expressed doubt about the authenticity of the weapons reportedly found during the searches, suggesting the possibility that they were secretly planted by the CBI/NSG. The party’s complaint to the poll body accused the office of ignoring the disruptive actions of central probe agencies during the election period.

TMC Accuses CBI

“The letter stated that today, i.e., 26.04.2024, marked the polling day for Phase II of the ongoing Lok Sabha Elections, 2024. Specifically in West Bengal, voters were scheduled to cast their votes in three Parliamentary Constituencies: Darjeeling, Raiganj, and Balurghat. While the elections were underway, the CBI conducted a controversial raid at an empty location in Sandeshkhali. According to media reports, the CBI summoned additional forces, including the bomb squad of the National Security Guard (NSG). Reports also mentioned the discovery of arms and ammunition during the raid at a house.”

Additionally, the state police have a fully operational bomb disposal squad that could have supported the operation if the CBI deemed it necessary to have a bomb squad during the raid. However, the CBI did not request such assistance.”

What did TMC say about the agency?

“It is surprising to observe that media personnel were present during the raid even before the state administration arrived at the scene. At that time, widespread reports had already indicated the discovery of weapons during the raid. The letter claimed that there is no sure way of determining whether these weapons were actually recovered during the search and seizure operation or if they were secretly planted by the CBI/NSG.

The TMC alleged that the CBI deliberately informed the media well in advance to create nationwide odium and contempt against the AITC and its candidates during the current election period.

The letter accused the CBI of providing false information to the media, claiming that the location belonged to an AITC supporter. Although no evidence has been presented in court, the letter accused the CBI of intentionally using the media to spread this rumor, ensuring a negative campaign against AITC during both polling days and throughout the entire election period.

The letter further alleged that the BJP undermined the integrity of the upcoming elections by instilling fear among voters, thus trying to gain an unfair advantage.

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