The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids on Thursday at properties linked to former Canning East MLA Saokat Molla in connection with an explosion investigation. The explosion occurred days before the assembly elections in Bhangar's Bamunia, killing one person during bomb-making.
Raids and Searches
A team of six NIA officers first arrived at Molla's residence in North Moukhali. Since Molla and his family were absent, the officers questioned two aides. They traced the phone of Molla's son, Imran Molla, and located him in a neighboring house. The officers conducted a search of the residence in Imran's presence. Later, Molla's daughter Shabana and wife Sayra Banu Begum also arrived at the scene.
The NIA team subsequently accompanied Imran to his cafe located on the Matla River and then to a flat in Sonarpur for further searches. Throughout the operation, Molla's phone remained switched off. Searches were also carried out in Bamunia village, where a driver was arrested.
Background of the Explosion
According to NIA sources, on March 18, Trinamool Congress member Ahidul Islam brought individuals from Haroa, Deganga, and Jibantala to make bombs. During the process, Masiur Kazi from Deganga was killed. His body was transported in an ambulance and dumped in Haroa. Cases were initially registered at Bijoyganj Bazar and Haroa police stations before the NIA took over the investigation.
