In a statement, the Raj Bhavan said, “After the top brass of the CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) and Enforcement Directorate called on him for confidential discussions, the Honourable Governor has expressed strong displeasure over the police’s failure in arresting the main accused Sheikh Shahjahan in the orchestrated attack on ED officials. The Governor has issued a strong warning that the police should stop playing hide-and-seek. People know who is the thief and who is the cop. Officers should stop running with the hare and hunting with the hounds. Do not sow the wind and reap the whirlwind.”
The statement further read, “The Honourable Governor has asked the state government to report on action taken in the ration scam, explain why the accused Sheikh Shahjahan has not been arrested so far, clarify whether he is in India or crossed the border, fix responsibility for the failure of the law and order machinery, and fix responsibility and punish police officers who failed in performing their duties.”
On Friday, an ED team was attacked and their vehicles were damaged by a mob during a raid at the residence of the TMC strongman in Sandeshkhali.
Governor Bose had also ordered on Saturday for “immediate tracking and arrest” of the absconding Sheikh Shahjahan. The statement issued by Raj Bhavan late last night highlighted that the Governor instructed the state police chief to promptly arrest the culprit.
Sukanta meets Bose, seeks intervention to restore law & order
State BJP president Sukanta Majumdar on Sunday called on Governor CV Ananda Bose and sought his intervention to “restore law and order” in the state in the wake of the attack on ED officials in Sandeshkhali.
Majumdar also wrote a letter to Bose in this regard.
Speaking to the media after meeting the Governor at Raj Bhavan in Kolkata, Majumdar said, “Not only democracy and law and order but also the country’s sovereignty and internal security are facing a threat in Bengal under the Trinamool Congress government. The Governor is also concerned about the law and order here and said there cannot be a mockery of the constitution in the state. We have sought his intervention in this regard.”
In the letter, he said, “I am writing to draw your immediate attention to the alarming deterioration of law and order situation in our state. The January 5 incident involving a violent attack on the ED officials is a stark manifestation of the escalating lawlessness in certain areas.”
The BJP MP from Balurghat further wrote, “It is distressing to note that such incidents reflect a disturbing trend where the state’s law and order machinery seems to be compromised, thereby undermining the safety of citizens and the sanctity of law enforcement operations. Given the severity of the situation and concerns regarding the state government’s stance on ensuring the betterment of the people, I earnestly urge your esteemed office to take immediate and decisive action. Your intervention is vital in restoring law and order, ensuring the safety of law enforcement agencies, and safeguarding the rights of the citizens.”