India, April 18 -- The Income-Tax (IT) Department on Friday searched the premises of several Trinamool Congress (TMC) members, including a key candidate for the upcoming West Bengal assembly elections and a proposer of Mamata Banerjee's candidature, triggering sharp reaction from chief minister Mamata Banerjee who questioned the timing of the raids ahead of the voting on April 23 and 29.

The raids were conducted on the premises of TMC MLA Debashish Kumar, who is contesting from Rashbehari assembly seat, and Miraj Shah, a proposer of Banerjee's candidature from Bhabanipur constituency.

"Searches are going on," a police officer said in the morning, referring to Kumar's residence on Padmapukur Road. Kumar's office in Ballygunge area ...