The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has identified and arrested former Trinamool Congress MLA Saokat Molla as a key conspirator in the Bhangar bomb blast case in West Bengal. Molla was apprehended from a hideout in Kamalgazi on the outskirts of Kolkata late Friday night, following an intensive search operation by the central agency. He was arrested from South 24 Parganas district after being declared an absconder earlier.
Background of the Case
The Bhangar blast case pertains to an explosion that occurred on March 19 in Dakshin Bamunia village of South 24 Parganas district. The blast took place while crude bombs were allegedly being assembled, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to three others. Following the incident, the Indian Secular Front (ISF) demanded a probe by the NIA, which subsequently took over the investigation.
Arrests Made So Far
This is the fourth arrest in the case. Earlier, on Thursday, the NIA announced the arrest of Sainur Molla, the driver of the Scorpio car used to transport the bomb makers. In a post on X, the NIA stated, "With the arrest of Sainur Molla, the driver of the Scorpio car used to transport the bomb makers who were killed and injured in the explosion, the total arrests in the case have gone up to three." Prior to that, in April, the NIA arrested Ahidul Islam Molla from Bijoyganj Bazar in South 24 Parganas, alleging he was a co-conspirator involved in manufacturing crude bombs and attempting to destroy evidence after the explosion.
Manhunt and Investigation
The NIA had declared Molla an absconder and launched extensive searches across Bhangar, Basanti, and nearby areas. The agency tracked multiple leads during the manhunt, including reports that Molla had been seen traveling through the Basanti-Chunakhali area on a motorcycle while attempting to evade arrest. The NIA continues to investigate the case, focusing on the network of conspirators involved in the bomb-making operation.
