Those Questioning Law And Order situation In West Bengal Are Trying To Malign The State: Mamata Banerjee After Attack On ED Officials

On Monday (8 January), West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated that those questioning the law and order situation, in light of the attack on Enforcement Department (ED) officers, were attempting to malign the state.

Banerjee asserted that Kolkata has been adjudged the country's safest city for years as per the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).

"I am not bothered about criticisms against me. But, I will protest if anyone tries to malign the state. Those questioning the law and order situation are trying to malign the state," Banerjee said, addressing the 'Students' Week' programme in Kolkata, news agency PTI reported.

Three ED officers were injured and several of their vehicles were vandalised as hundreds of supporters of TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh attacked them on Friday.

Also Read: ED Officials Face Troubles In Ration Distribution Scam Probe Against TMC Leader: First Attacked, Then FIR Registered In Bengal

The attack happened when the ED team went to Sheikh's house in Sandeshkhali for a raid in connection with alleged irregularities in the state's ration system.

While the ED officials, along with CRPF personnel, were trying to have the door opened, they faced a surprise attack.

A mob of over 800 locals arrived with various objects like lathis, stones and bricks, and assaulted the officials.

Slogans were raised against the agency and the Centre, and the official vehicles were vandalised.

The incident has reignited the claims by opposition parties of alleged “lawlessness” in parts of the state.

Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose, taking an exceptional stand, said that the state is not a “banana republic”. He termed the latest incident as “alarming” and “deplorable”.

Also Read: ED Officers' Assault Case In Bengal: Governor Bose Orders Probe Against Accused TMC Leader For "Crossing Border, Liaison With Terrorists"