The ongoing confrontation between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and central probe agencies reached a fever pitch as the West Bengal police registered an FIR against National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials, accusing them of molestation. This development comes amidst mounting tensions following an altercation between the NIA and villagers during a raid related to the 2022 Bhupatinagar blast case.

The conflict intensified when the West Bengal police initiated legal action against NIA personnel, alleging misconduct during a raid in Bhupatinagar, Purba Medinipur district. According to reports, the FIR, lodged based on complaints from the families of the arrested and TMC worker Manabroto Jana, accuses NIA officials of “molesting women” during late-night house raids.

In response, the NIA swiftly moved the Kolkata High Court, challenging the police action. The court is scheduled to address the matter later in the day. Meanwhile, the East Midnapore police demanded detailed accounts from the NIA regarding injuries, vehicle damage, and the sequence of events during the raids.

The incident in Bhupatinagar unfolded when a mob allegedly attacked an NIA team attempting to apprehend two prime suspects in the Bhupatinagar blast case. This confrontation sparked a political furor, with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemning the NIA’s actions and accusing investigators of assaulting villagers.

In a parallel development, the NIA issued summonses to three TMC leaders—Manab Kumar Karaya, Subir Maity, and Naba Kumar Ponda—for questioning in connection with the Bhupatinagar blast case.

Simultaneously, TMC leaders staged a protest in New Delhi, demanding the replacement of top officials from various central investigation agencies. However, the demonstration led to their brief detention by Delhi Police for violating Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).

Responding to the developments, BJP leaders criticized the TMC, accusing them of disregarding constitutional principles and democracy. BJP National General Secretary Arun Singh labeled the TMC’s actions as a “gimmick” to shield arrested TMC leader Shahjahan Sheikh.