Did a Trinamool Leader Just Get Caught Selling Firearms in Bengal's Birbhum?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- A viral video shows a Trinamool Congress leader involved in firearms trade.
- The incident has raised serious public safety concerns.
- The BJP has condemned the ruling party’s actions.
- Police investigations are ongoing.
- Silence from Trinamool leaders adds to public speculation.
Kolkata, Sep 23 (NationPress) A video has gained immense popularity, showcasing a Trinamool Congress leader engaging in the open sale and purchase of firearms and ammunition, as reported by police.
This incident has sparked significant controversy in Bolpur, located in West Bengal's Birbhum district, officials confirmed on Monday.
The police have initiated an investigation into the viral footage.
The BJP has condemned the ruling Trinamool Congress government over this alarming development, while the latter has remained notably silent on the issue.
The video features Dolon Sheikh, a Trinamool leader from Shimulia village in Bolpur, seen handing over cartridges to another individual.
He is recognized as a prominent figure in the local community.
While seated on a motorbike, he is observed removing cartridges from a plastic bag and counting them meticulously.
Subsequently, he placed the cartridges in a larger plastic bag and handed them over to a person.
This entire event unfolded in broad daylight.
Following the video's spread, the BJP has launched a strong critique against the Trinamool Congress, accusing them of publicly trading in weapons on the village streets.
BJP's Bolpur organizational district president, Shyamapada Mondal, criticized the Trinamool Congress for instigating a climate of fear in West Bengal ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
"Dolon Sheikh is a Trinamool leader. He is openly engaged in the buying and selling of firearms. The Trinamool Congress is a party that collaborates with individuals involved in the sand mafia and stone mafia. With elections approaching, they are supplying arms and ammunition to miscreants. They aim to create an atmosphere of terror to intimidate the populace. The ruling party seeks to instill fear, while the police remain silent on this matter," Mondal stated.
In response to these developments, Birbhum District Superintendent of Police Amandeep Singh remarked, "The video is currently under verification. Once the investigation is complete, appropriate action will be taken."
However, leaders from the Trinamool Congress have refrained from commenting on this critical issue.