NIA names former MLA Saokat Molla as key conspirator in Bhangar bomb blast case

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has identified former MLA Saokat Molla as the principal conspirator in the Bhangar bomb blast case and arrested him from South 24 Parganas. In a statement issued on Saturday, the agency said Molla had been absconding for an extended period and was being actively tracked by investigators before his arrest late on Friday night.

The case relates to an explosion that occurred in the Bhangar area while crude bombs were allegedly being manufactured ahead of the Assembly elections. The blast resulted in the death of one person and left several others injured. The investigation was subsequently transferred from state police to the NIA following an order from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

According to the NIA, its investigation has established that Saokat Molla played a central role in planning the alleged bomb-manufacturing operation. The agency stated that he instructed other accused individuals to manufacture the crude bombs and subsequently directed them to tamper with the crime scene after the explosion by destroying or altering evidence.

The NIA said Molla’s arrest marks the fourth arrest in the case. Three accused persons had already been taken into custody during earlier phases of the investigation. The agency also recently arrested another suspect who is alleged to have assisted in transporting the deceased and injured victims from the blast site in a Scorpio vehicle following the incident.

Investigators stated that all arrested accused are being questioned as part of efforts to uncover the full scope of the conspiracy and identify any additional individuals involved. The agency is also examining possible links between the accused and any wider criminal network connected to the manufacture, transportation and use of explosive materials in the case.