West Bengal Minister Agnimitra Paul (BJP) expressed support for a National Investigation Agency raid on the home of former TMC MLA Saikat Molla.
The development marks a significant escalation in political tensions in Asansol, highlighting the friction between the state's ruling party and federal investigative agencies over national security concerns.
The NIA conducted the search at the residence of Molla in Asansol [1]. The investigation centers on allegations that Molla was involved in a bomb-blast case [1]. Paul said that the probe is necessary to ensure accountability for those suspected of collaborating with militant elements.
"Agencies will act against those who work with terrorists," Paul said [1].
Paul used the incident to criticize the Trinamool Congress (TMC), accusing the party of operating above the legal framework of the country. She suggested that the party's leadership views itself as exempt from standard judicial and constitutional oversight, a stance she characterized as a danger to the rule of law.
"The TMC thinks of themselves as 'god' and is arrogant about the law and constitution," Paul said [1].
The raid and subsequent political reactions underscore the ongoing conflict over the jurisdiction of federal agencies within West Bengal. While the NIA operates under federal authority to investigate terror-related crimes, the TMC has frequently clashed with such agencies over the conduct of their probes in the state.
“"Agencies will act against those who work with terrorists."”
This incident reflects the deepening divide between the BJP and TMC over the use of federal agencies in West Bengal. By publicly backing the NIA, Paul is framing the investigation not just as a criminal matter, but as a challenge to the TMC's perceived immunity from the law, potentially signaling further federal scrutiny of former party officials.
