Kolkata/IBNS: The probe by central agencies ahead of the West Bengal polls intensified on Friday, with the Income Tax department conducting raids at two premises linked to Trinamool Congress leader Debasish Kumar, who is contesting from the Rashbehari constituency, media reports said.
Early Morning Raids
The search operations began around 6 am at Kumar's residence on Manoharpukur Road and his election office.
Heavy Security Deployment
A large contingent of central forces was deployed outside Kumar's residence as tension gripped the area just days before the polls.
Reason Yet to Be Known
The exact reason behind the search operation was not immediately clear.
Previous ED Questioning
Kumar was recently grilled thrice by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a land fraud case.
Link to Businessman Under Scanner
The ED had also been probing whether Kumar had any links to businessman Amit Gangopadhyay, whose properties were recently searched by the agency.
Electoral Battle in Rashbehari
Kumar is set to face Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Swapan Dasgupta in the Rashbehari assembly seat, considered a Trinamool Congress stronghold.
Polling Date
The Rashbehari constituency will go to the polls in the second and final phase on April 29.