KOLKATA: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested former Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA and influential South 24 Parganas leader Saokat Molla in connection with the Bhangar bomb blast case, marking a major development in one of West Bengal’s most closely watched criminal investigations. The arrest comes amid an ongoing probe into a deadly explosion that took place in the Bhangar area shortly before the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.
According to investigators, the explosion occurred in Dakshin Bamunia village of Bhangar while crude bombs were allegedly being manufactured. One person was killed and several others were injured in the blast, triggering political controversy and demands for a thorough investigation. The NIA subsequently took over the case from local police after examining the seriousness of the incident and possible links to organized bomb-making networks.
In recent days, NIA teams conducted extensive searches at multiple premises linked to Saokat Molla and his family. Investigators searched his residence in South 24 Parganas, a party office associated with him, properties belonging to relatives, and business establishments linked to family members. Officials reportedly questioned several individuals during the operation and collected documents and electronic evidence believed to be relevant to the investigation.
Sources associated with the probe said investigators are attempting to establish the chain of events that led to the explosion and determine whether local political figures or their associates played any role in facilitating the manufacture, storage, or transportation of explosive materials. The agency is also examining communications records and movement patterns of several suspects identified during the investigation.
The Bhangar blast case has already seen multiple arrests. Earlier, the NIA arrested TMC leader Wahidul Islam in connection with the incident. Subsequently, another accused, identified as Sainur Molla, was arrested for allegedly transporting individuals involved in bomb-making activities. Investigators claim that the vehicle used to move the accused before and after the explosion has become a key piece of evidence in the case. With these arrests, the agency has steadily widened the scope of its investigation.
The NIA believes the explosion occurred while crude bombs were being assembled ahead of the Assembly elections. Investigators suspect that a network involving several individuals from different districts was engaged in the illegal manufacture of explosives. One of the victims reportedly died at the blast site, while efforts were allegedly made to conceal evidence after the incident. These allegations are now being examined through forensic evidence, witness testimonies, and digital records.
The case has attracted considerable political attention because Bhangar has remained a politically sensitive region in recent years, witnessing repeated clashes and allegations of violence involving rival political groups. Security concerns in the area intensified during the election campaign period, with several incidents of political confrontation being reported from the constituency.
While opposition parties have welcomed the NIA’s action and demanded strict punishment for those found guilty, leaders within the TMC have maintained that the law should take its course and that conclusions should not be drawn before the investigation is completed. The arrest of a prominent political figure is expected to further intensify political debates in the state.
Officials have indicated that more arrests cannot be ruled out as investigators continue to analyze evidence gathered during raids and interrogations. The agency is expected to present further findings before the court as it seeks to unravel the full extent of the alleged bomb-making operation and identify all those involve.
