Bengal Police Recover Costly 'Californium' from TMC Leader's Home, 1 Gram Worth ₹17 Crore
In a shocking discovery, Bengal police have seized a rare and highly radioactive chemical, 'Californium,' from the residence of a senior leader of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) party. The chemical, which is used in high-security sectors like nuclear reactors, was found at the home of TMC leader Francis Ekka in the Naxalbari area of Darjeeling. This chemical is extremely valuable, with a market price of approximately ₹17 crore per gram.
This highly sensitive material, whose very presence raises several questions of how it came to the residence of TMC leader, was found during a joint operation of the Bengal police and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) on Friday. Ekka has been arrested and is under investigation.
Sabotage Plot Investigation
In addition to the rare chemical, officials also discovered documents at Ekka's residence regarding DRDO, the Defence Research and Development Organization. This has further fuelled the fear of potential involvement in sabotage or espionage activities. There are concerns growing that Ekka might have a connection with some underworld gang or even a massive plot to create widespread disturbances in national security. Notably, Francis Ekka had recently traveled to Nepal, and neighbors had witnessed unusual behavior from him before the discovery. No one had raised concerns despite that because of his political status within TMC.
Former MP Arjun Singh's Allegations
This shocking discovery has sparked broad political responses. Former Air Force Chief, R.K. Das, expressed severe concerns over how such a hazardous substance could so easily be reached by a common citizen. He cautioned that Californium is used in highly classified operations and its discovery in a residential area raises serious questions about national security.
To the drama, there is more when former MP and BJP leader Arjun Singh earlier accused the state of having chemicals imported from Russia in some assassination plot against him. In the recent findings made public, Singh, on his part, said again that it pointed to the involvement of the ruling TMC party in the greater conspiracy. He claimed, "There is already evidence linking them to corrupt activities. This incident just proves it further."
The authorities are probing the matter, political fallout is increasing across Bengal as more details about the chemicals, Ekka and possible security threats yet to unfold.
