The Intelligence Bureau (IB) of the Ministry of Home Affairs has sent an alert to West Bengal Police, warning of a possible attack by Bangladesh terror outfits on Leader of the Opposition in Assembly and BJP MLA Suvendu Adhikari, sources said.
In a letter to the Director General of Police and other officials of state police, Assistant Director/VIP Security Subsidiary, Intelligence Bureau (MHA), on December 19, said, “According to an uncorroborated input, Harakat-ul-Jihad-al-Islam. Bangladesh (HUJI-BD) and Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HuT) could be planning to target Suvendu Adhikari (LoP, WBLA) during December 24-26, 2024 at a public meeting for his anti-Bangladesh actions/remarks.”
The letter also stated that “some Bangladesh based Islamist outfits have planned to target Adhikari in coming days” especially during any public rally or protest programme.
“Further, 3 Bangladeshi criminals, namely Shakil (nfi), Samsul Alam (nfi) and an unknown person may have been tasked to target the said BJP leader. Also, a separate input suggests that some Bangladesh based Islamist outfits have planned to target Shri Suvendu Adhikari in coming days and Bangladeshi criminals have been tasked to carry out this action, particularly during any public rally or protest programme. Suvendu Adhikari is a ‘Z’ – category CRP protectee with BR vehicle in West Bengal,” it said.
However, Adhikari said that he is not afraid of “such threats”. “Earlier CPIM, TMC also tried to attack and now terrorists. I would not say anything on this. I will remain among people. They will give security to me. They are my protection shield,” he said. “I am in public life and will continue to speak on issues affecting the people, including the attacks on Hindu minorities in Bangladesh,” Adhikari had said on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the ruling TMC and Opposition BJP engaged in a political slugfest over recent arrests of suspected terrorists in West Bengal. While the state’s ruling party holding the Centre responsible for “terrorists infiltrating” Bengal, and the BJP blaming the TMC for allegedly making the state a safe haven for such elements. “BJP is basically trying to tarnish our image after they were defeated in all elections,” TMC MLA Shaokat Mollah said.
BJP leaders countered claiming that state’s administration has failed to prevent terrorists from seeking refuge in the state.