The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday night arrested former Trinamool Congress MLA Saokat Molla in connection with the Bhangar blast case. Molla, who had been evading authorities for the past 48 hours, was apprehended from a hideout in Kamalgazi, off south Kolkata, following an extensive manhunt.
The NIA had earlier declared Molla an absconder and intensified efforts to track him down. Despite conducting thorough searches across Bhangar, Basanti, and adjacent areas over two days, investigators initially failed to locate him. Senior officials revealed that the agency feared Molla might attempt to flee the region. Consequently, his details were shared with the Border Security Force (BSF), and border units were placed on high alert.
On Thursday, multiple NIA teams raided Molla's residence, party office, and premises linked to his associates. Officials suspect he left the area before the raids commenced. After waiting for several hours, investigators carried out searches in the presence of his family members. His son, Ahmedul Molla, was later arrested in connection with the case.
According to sources, Molla was last seen in the Basanti–Chunakhali area riding pillion on a motorcycle. Witnesses reportedly told investigators that he was wearing a red outfit and a helmet. Acting on these leads, NIA teams, supported by central forces, searched multiple locations, including a madrassa and nearby forested areas, but found no trace of him at that time.
The NIA had previously arrested three individuals in connection with the Bhangar blast case. The arrest of Molla marks a significant breakthrough in the investigation, which has been ongoing for several days. Further details are expected to emerge as the agency continues its probe.
