Ahead of October 6 bypoll, West Bengal Police searches house of TMC leader in decades-old cases
West Bengal police searched the residence of a Trinamool Congress leader in Nandigram regarding cases dating back to 2007. The action occurs shortly before a bypoll election, amidst ongoing political tensions in the region.
Why it matters
The timing of police actions against political figures ahead of elections often raises questions about the intersection of law enforcement and political maneuvering.
Police on Sunday (September 27, 2026) searched the house of a Trinamool Congress leader in Nandigram in connection with cases registered around 15 to 20 years ago, a senior officer said.
A team from Nandigram Police Station conducted the search at Sheikh Shahabuddin's residence, but he was not at home at that time, he said.
"Warrants have been issued in Mr. Shahabuddin's name in connection with several cases dating back to 2007, 2009, and 2011. Our officers conducted search operations at his residence, but the TMC leader could not be spotted there," the officer said.
Members of Mr. Shahabuddin's family declined to comment on the police action.
The action came ahead of the October 6 bypoll to the Nandigram Assembly seat that was vacated by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who opted to retain Bhabanipur.
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