Epstein Probe Expands: Gates Foundation Hires Investigator To Probe Its Epstein Links

The appointment of IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma as police observer in South 24 Parganas has sparked a political row ahead of West Bengal’s second phase of polling. The area is seen as a key base of Abhishek Banerjee of the Trinamool Congress. Known for his tough policing, Sharma visited the ground following complaints of intimidation and questioned the deployment of extra personnel outside a TMC candidate’s residence. The TMC criticised his role, raising allegations about his past and warning against bias. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also objected, accusing the BJP of using observers for political purposes. Meanwhile, the Election Commission has stepped up security and surveillance across constituencies.