By West Bengal politics witnessed a fresh development on September 21, 2026, after the state police arrested two Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders from South 24 Parganas in connection with the attack on the convoy of then BJP national president J.P. Nadda in December 2020.
The arrests have brought a six-year-old political violence case back into the spotlight at a time when West Bengal is already witnessing heightened political activity around upcoming Assembly by-elections and an ongoing dispute involving the Trinamool Congress’s organisational identity.
According to police officials, the two accused were identified as Ripon Sheikh and Sanjib Mondal. They were arrested by personnel of Usthi Police Station from the Magrahat West area in South 24 Parganas. Firearms were also recovered from them, according to the police.
What Happened in the 2020 Nadda Convoy Attack?
The incident took place on December 10, 2020, when J.P. Nadda was travelling towards Diamond Harbour for a BJP programme.
His convoy came under attack at two locations in South 24 Parganas — Sirakol in Usthi and later Dostipur in Falta.
Several vehicles in the convoy were damaged, and people accompanying the BJP leader were injured. At the time, the incident triggered a major political confrontation between the BJP and the then ruling TMC in West Bengal.
Both sides exchanged allegations over the circumstances surrounding the attack and the response of the authorities.
Who Has Been Arrested?
The two arrested individuals have been identified as Ripon Sheikh and Sanjib Mondal.
Police said they were known locally as influential TMC leaders in the Magrahat Paschim area. Investigators are questioning them to establish their alleged role in the 2020 convoy attack.
The police are also investigating the source of the firearms reportedly recovered from them.
Importantly, the police allegations and the arrests do not by themselves establish guilt. The accused are entitled to due legal process, and their alleged involvement will be determined through the investigation and judicial proceedings.
Why Were They Arrested Now?
According to police officials, the two men were initially arrested in connection with another case involving allegations of criminal activity and illegal firearm possession.
During the investigation, police said they found information linking them to the earlier attack on Nadda’s convoy.
The authorities have therefore reopened or revived investigation into their alleged role in the 2020 incident. Investigators are also trying to determine whether additional people were involved.
Firearms Seized During the Operation
One of the important aspects of the latest development is the reported recovery of firearms.
Police said firearms were seized from the two accused during the operation. Investigators are now examining where the weapons came from and whether there are additional links to other individuals.
The firearm investigation is separate from establishing the exact circumstances of the 2020 convoy attack, and both aspects are expected to form part of the ongoing police inquiry.
Political Background of the Case
The 2020 attack became one of the major political flashpoints between the BJP and TMC ahead of the 2021 West Bengal Assembly election.
At the time, the BJP alleged that the attack was politically organised and criticised the state administration over security arrangements.
The TMC, meanwhile, disputed the BJP’s allegations and questioned aspects of the incident and its political interpretation.
The latest arrests have therefore revived an issue that had already played a significant role in the political confrontation between the two parties.
Why Is This News Important Now?
The timing of the arrests is significant because West Bengal is currently experiencing another period of political activity.
The state is preparing for the October 6, 2026 Assembly by-elections in Nandigram and Rejinagar. At the same time, the Election Commission has been dealing with competing claims involving rival TMC factions and has issued an interim arrangement concerning the party’s name and election symbol. Mamata Banerjee’s faction has challenged that decision before the Supreme Court.
The new arrests add another law-and-order and political issue to the state’s already active political environment.
What Are Police Investigating?
Police officials have indicated that the investigation will focus on several questions.
These include:
- The alleged role of the two arrested individuals in the 2020 convoy attack.
- The source of the firearms recovered from them.
- Whether other people were involved.
- Whether there are additional links between the accused and the earlier incident.
- The circumstances surrounding the original attack.
Investigators are expected to question the accused and examine available evidence before taking further legal action.
What Happened to Nadda’s Convoy?
During the December 2020 incident, Nadda was travelling to Diamond Harbour for a BJP programme.
The convoy was attacked at two locations in South 24 Parganas. Several vehicles were damaged during the incident, while people accompanying Nadda suffered injuries.
The attack received national political attention because Nadda was then the president of the BJP and several senior Bengal BJP leaders were travelling with him.
Political Reactions
The arrests are likely to generate fresh political reactions in West Bengal.
The BJP can point to the arrests as a new development in a case that became a major issue between the party and TMC in 2020.
For the TMC, the legal proceedings involving its local leaders will require attention as the police investigation develops.
However, any political interpretation of responsibility beyond the specific allegations being investigated should be separated from the facts established by the police or courts.
What Happens Next?
The two accused are currently in police custody and are being questioned, according to officials.
Investigators are expected to continue examining the alleged connection to the Nadda convoy attack and the source of the seized firearms.
The police may also investigate whether other individuals were involved in the 2020 incident.
Any further arrests or charges would depend on evidence gathered during the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings.
Key Points to Watch
The major developments to follow are:
- Police investigation into the two arrested TMC leaders.
- Details emerging about the seized firearms.
- Whether additional suspects are identified.
- Further developments in the 2020 Nadda convoy attack case.
- Political reactions from BJP and TMC.
- The broader political situation ahead of the October 6 West Bengal by-elections.
Conclusion
The arrest of two TMC leaders in connection with the December 2020 J.P. Nadda convoy attack has brought a long-running political violence case back into the spotlight.
West Bengal Police identified the accused as Ripon Sheikh and Sanjib Mondal and said firearms were recovered from them. Police are now investigating their alleged role in the earlier attack and examining whether other people were involved.
The development comes at a politically active time for West Bengal, with Assembly by-elections approaching and separate disputes involving TMC’s organisational identity already before the Election Commission and Supreme Court.
For now, the key focus remains on the police investigation, the evidence collected and the subsequent judicial process.
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