KOLKATA: West Bengal witnessed a powerful explosion at a residential building in the Rajarhat area on the eastern outskirts of Kolkata, triggering a major security investigation.
The incident led to the detention of two individuals, while investigators recovered explosive materials from the site. Multiple agencies have since launched a detailed probe to determine the cause of the blast and identify those responsible. The blast, which occurred on Friday evening in the Supari Bagan locality of Dakshin Narayanpur, partially damaged the building and caused panic among residents living in the densely populated neighbourhood.
Officials said one person sustained injuries in the incident and was provided medical treatment. Emergency responders, including police personnel and the fire services department, quickly reached the location to secure the area and prevent any further danger.
The intensity of the explosion damaged portions of the building, prompting authorities to cordon off the premises while bomb disposal experts and forensic teams began collecting evidence.
Two detained, another suspect being traced in Bengal
Police have confirmed that two individuals have been detained for questioning as investigators attempt to determine the circumstances leading to the explosion. Officials are also searching for another suspect believed to have played a key role in the incident.
According to investigators, CCTV footage from the area has become a crucial piece of evidence. The video reportedly shows a man carrying a white bag into the building shortly before the explosion. He allegedly entered a room on the ground floor, left the bag there, and exited the premises. Minutes later, a loud blast rocked the structure.
Authorities are now examining the movements of all individuals seen in the footage while tracing the origin of the explosive materials.
Explosive materials recovered during investigation
Senior police officials confirmed that investigators recovered two unexploded bombs from the premises after the blast. The recovery prompted the immediate deployment of specialised bomb disposal personnel to safely neutralise the explosives.
Officials have refrained from revealing detailed forensic findings, stating that the investigation remains at a sensitive stage. However, preliminary assessments suggest that crude explosive materials may have been stored inside the room where the explosion occurred.
The discovery has significantly widened the scope of the investigation, with authorities trying to establish whether the explosives were intended for illegal activities or linked to a larger criminal network.
NIA, CID and specialised agencies join probe
Given the seriousness of the incident, multiple investigative agencies have joined the inquiry. Teams from the National Investigation Agency (NIA), the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the state police’s Special Task Force (STF), forensic experts and the bomb squad visited the site to inspect the damaged building.
The agencies conducted a detailed examination of the blast location, collected physical evidence and questioned local residents to reconstruct the sequence of events. Investigators are also analysing CCTV footage from nearby buildings and roads to identify everyone who entered or exited the area before the explosion.
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Officials have not ruled out any possibility and said every angle, including criminal and organised network involvement, is being examined.
Residents recount panic after explosion
Residents described scenes of panic as the explosion echoed through the neighbourhood. Many rushed out of their homes after hearing the loud blast, fearing a larger accident or additional explosions.
Police immediately evacuated parts of the affected building and restricted public access until bomb disposal teams completed their operations. The surrounding locality remained under heavy security for several hours while investigators searched the premises for additional explosive materials.
Local authorities appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with investigators by sharing any information that could assist the probe.
Investigation continues
Investigators are now focusing on identifying the source of the recovered explosives and establishing how they reached the rented premises. Forensic experts are expected to examine the explosive residue to determine its composition and possible origin.
Police are also verifying the identities and backgrounds of the detained individuals while continuing efforts to locate the absconding suspect. Officials have indicated that additional arrests may follow depending on the findings of the investigation.
Authorities have assured the public that a comprehensive probe is underway and that strict legal action will be taken against anyone found responsible for storing or transporting explosive materials. As forensic reports and witness statements continue to be analysed, investigators hope to uncover the full circumstances behind the Rajarhat explosion and determine whether it was an isolated incident or part of a wider criminal operation.
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