Assault on ED officers in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district sparked a political slugfest
Reportedly the assault on ED officers in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district on friday sparked a political slugfest, with the bjp and congress calling for the imposition of President’s rule, even as the ruling TMC accused the central agency sleuths of inciting locals. ED officers were assaulted and their vehicles damaged allegedly by supporters of TMC leader Sheikh Sajahan, when they tried to raid his residence in the Sandeshkhali area in connection with its probe into the ration distribution scam. Sajahan is considered to be a close aide of state minister Jyotipriyo Mallick, who was arrested for his alleged involvement in the scam.At least two Enforcement Directorate officers suffered serious injuries and required hospitalisation. Reacting to the incident, Union minister of State for home Affairs Nisith Pramanik said, “State governments must provide officers of the central probe agency proper security and other resources. But, that has not happened in West Bengal. The attack on the ED officers is an attack on the federal structure of the state. “The Centre has taken serious note of it, and we will also look into why similar incidents are repeatedly happening in West bengal, Pramanik said.Meanwhile, TMC minister Shashi Panja accused the ED officers of instigating the locals, which led to the situation. Union minister Nisith Pramanik spoke about the attack on the federal structure. The withholding of West Bengal’s dues in a real sense is an attack on the federal structure, Panja asserted. TMC state spokesperson Kunal Ghosh criticised the congress and bjp, claiming that the law and order situation in West bengal is much better than in other states.