BJP Leader Arjun Singh Urges NIA Probe into Barrackpore Bombing; Calcutta High Court Demands State’s Report and Orders CCTV Preservation

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 29, 2024, Kolkata: BJP leader and former Member of Parliament Arjun Singh appeared before the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday, pressing for a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into a recent bombing incident at his Barrackpore residence. Singh alleged that the attack was orchestrated by Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Namit Singh and his associates, whom he claims targeted his house with bricks, bombs, and bullets. The High Court has taken note of the severity of the claims, demanding an immediate report from the state government on the incident and ordering the preservation of all CCTV footage from Singh’s residence and surrounding areas.

During the court proceedings, Singh’s legal counsel presented CCTV evidence that, according to their claim, clearly identifies the attackers as TMC supporters. This CCTV footage reportedly shows individuals linked to the Trinamool Congress at the scene, an assertion that has intensified the already charged political atmosphere. The Centre's lawyer backed Singh’s call for an NIA probe, citing the state's failure to initiate an adequate investigation into the alleged politically motivated violence. The Calcutta High Court responded by instructing state authorities to secure all CCTV footage from the vicinity to ensure a fair and comprehensive review of the evidence.

This legal development follows Singh’s letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, apprising him of the attack and urging intervention to uphold law and order in West Bengal. The incident has stirred fresh demands from the BJP for impartial investigations, particularly under central oversight, to address what the party describes as increasing hostility and politically motivated attacks on its leaders in the state.

The call for an NIA probe highlights the escalating tensions between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition BJP, especially over issues of security and political intimidation. According to BJP representatives, the state police have not acted on evidence implicating TMC-affiliated individuals, a situation they argue warrants federal investigation to ensure transparency and accountability. "The people involved are connected to the ruling party, and the state has shown reluctance to take decisive action. Only a central agency investigation can ensure that justice is served without bias," stated a spokesperson from Singh’s legal team.

The Calcutta High Court’s directives to preserve CCTV footage underscore the judiciary’s recognition of the importance of impartial evidence in the matter. This action is seen as a critical step toward preventing evidence tampering and allowing a thorough examination by investigators, should an NIA probe proceed. Singh’s demand has also ignited broader discussions about the security of opposition leaders and the alleged misuse of political influence to hinder lawful investigations.

In light of this incident, Singh and other BJP leaders have reiterated their concerns about the safety of party members and supporters in West Bengal, accusing the TMC-led state government of failing to curb political violence. They argue that such incidents jeopardize the democratic process by creating an environment of intimidation for those opposing the ruling party.

The High Court has scheduled further hearings and has ordered the state to submit a detailed report on the actions taken to date. With the CCTV footage secured and a possible NIA probe on the horizon, the court’s intervention may prove pivotal in either substantiating or dispelling the allegations. As the state and central governments await the court's next steps, the case underscores the broader political struggle in West Bengal, where law enforcement and judicial oversight are coming under intense scrutiny.