Fifth arrest in Kaliganj bomb blast that killed 10-year-old girl during bypoll celebration

A fifth person has been arrested in connection with the bomb blast in Nadia district’s Kaliganj that killed a 10-year-old girl on Monday. The latest arrest, made on Wednesday, is of Shariful Sheikh. Police have now taken five people into custody in the case.

The four individuals arrested earlier were identified as Adar Sheikh, Manowar Sheikh, Kalu Sheikh, and Anwar Sheikh. All five are being investigated for their suspected roles in the incident. Police sources confirmed that various sections of law have been applied in the case, and interrogation is ongoing.

The incident took place in Molanda village when Tamanna Khatun, a class four student, was returning home with her mother after bathing. A socket bomb reportedly exploded nearby, killing the girl. Her mother, Sabina Yasmin, alleged that she saw the faces of the persons who threw the bomb and claimed they were associated with the ruling party. “We support CPI(M). I recognize the faces but don't know their names,” she said.

The blast occurred on the day of vote counting for the Kaliganj Assembly by-election. During the counting process, Trinamool Congress candidate Alifa Ahmed took a significant lead. A victory procession was reportedly taken out by TMC supporters at the time of the incident. Superintendent of Police Amarnath K said that tensions between two groups had been ongoing in the area since 2023. He added that the complete details will emerge after the forensic and post-mortem reports are available.