Luxurious basement found during raid at home of TMC leader accused in Shibpur violence

Police in Howrah conducted a raid at the residence of Shibpur violence accused Shamim Ahmed, also known as “Boro,” following a court order in connection with the post-election violence, bombing, and firing incidents reported from the Shibpur Choura Basti area on May 8. During the operation, officers reportedly discovered a concealed basement inside the house containing luxury furniture and expensive interior items. Police later sealed the premises and seized a mobile phone from the residence.

According to police officials, the search operation began after officers broke open the lock of the house, as Shamim Ahmed and his family members had allegedly been absconding since the violence incident. During the raid, officers found a wooden-covered section on the ground floor. After removing the wooden planks, they discovered a staircase leading to a basement area inside the property.

Videos and images from the raid later circulated widely on social media. The footage reportedly showed a lavish circular bed, luxury glass showpieces, air conditioners installed throughout the basement, televisions in multiple rooms, and expensive wardrobes. Social media users claimed that a “secret tunnel” had been discovered inside the residence following the circulation of the visuals.

Howrah City Police later clarified that the structure found during the raid was not a tunnel but a basement accessible through a staircase within the house. Shamim Ahmed, the husband of former Howrah Municipal Corporation councillor Shamima Bano, has been identified as the main accused in the Shibpur violence case. He had earlier been accused in connection with last year’s Ram Navami violence case, in which the NIA had arrested him. Police stated that raids were continuing at multiple locations to trace the accused and his family members.