100 bombs found in TMC worker's backyard in Bhangar; Party accuses ISF for planting them

Police conducted a targeted raid in the Chelegowalia area under the North Kashipur police station in Bhangar, uncovering a massive stockpile of 100 fresh bombs hidden in the backyard garden of a Trinamool Congress (TMC) worker, identified as Rafiqul Islam. This discovery comes as a significant blow to the Election Commission's goal of ensuring a violence-free environment for the 142 constituencies heading to the polls in this final phase.

The recovery has ignited a fierce political blame game between the Indian Secular Front (ISF) and the ruling TMC. The ISF has alleged that TMC leadership, including Saokat Molla, was involved in storing these explosives to intimidate voters and create unrest on polling day. Conversely, the TMC has dismissed these claims, asserting that the ISF planted the bombs under the cover of night to defame the party. Central forces and local police have since been deployed in heavy numbers to maintain order, and bomb disposal squads have successfully defused the explosives as investigations continue.

Amidst this volatility, the Election Commission (EC) has issued a stern ultimatum to the West Bengal police hierarchy. The Commission communicated a "zero tolerance" message directly to the Kolkata Police Commissioner and all field-level officers, including OCs and ICs, stating that any failure to decontaminate their areas of explosives within the next 24 hours would result in "unprecedented consequences". The EC stressed that accountability will be fixed for any lapses, warning that officers who allow voter intimidation or the use of threat tactics in their jurisdiction will face immediate and severe action.