In a shocking development from West Bengal’s Birbhum district, police conducted a dramatic raid on a hotel owned by a Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader, uncovering a cache of crude bombs. The operation took place in Bolpur, sending ripples through the local political circles.
Authorities from two local police stations swooped down on the hotel near Bolpur’s provincial railway station on Sunday. The property belongs to Babu Das, husband of TMC councillor Sangita Das from Ward No. 1 of Bolpur Municipality. While a heavy police contingent secured the area, Babu Das remains at large, prompting an intensified manhunt.
Led by SDPO Ricky Agarwal, the raid was based on credible intelligence suggesting bomb-making activities inside the premises. Officers recovered several crude explosives and detained seven individuals for questioning. ‘The entire area was cordoned off, and we have registered a case. Investigations are ongoing to identify all involved parties,’ a senior police official stated.
This isn’t the first time the hotel has courted controversy. Past complaints have accused it of harboring illegal activities, including alleged prostitution rackets. TMC has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
BJP state spokesperson Jagannath Chattopadhyay seized the opportunity to criticize the ruling party. ‘We’ve learned the hotel also doubled as a TMC office, with locals complaining of extortion,’ he remarked, highlighting ongoing concerns over political violence in the region ahead of elections.
As probes deepen, this incident underscores persistent issues of law and order in Birbhum, a district long plagued by political clashes. Police assure the public of swift action to dismantle any criminal networks linked to political figures.