Checkpoints, vehicle searches expanded in Bhangar as police track Saokat Molla's network

Police have intensified surveillance, vehicle checks, and search operations across several parts of Bhangar following the arrest of Trinamool Congress leader Saokat Molla in a bomb blast case. Authorities are monitoring the activities of individuals considered close to him amid concerns that explosives, firearms, and bomb-making materials allegedly linked to his network could be relocated or destroyed. Police from Polerhat Police Station conducted extensive checkpoint operations on Saturday night in areas including Hatishala and Gabtala, with roadblocks and vehicle inspections continuing throughout the night.

According to sources, the operation was launched after concerns emerged that weapons and explosives allegedly associated with Saokat Molla's network might be smuggled out of the area. Police sources indicated that the searches and surveillance measures are expected to continue for several more days. The operations form part of a broader effort to identify and recover any materials that investigators believe may be connected to the ongoing case.

Leaders of the Indian Secular Front alleged that several Trinamool leaders from Bhagabanpur, Bamanghata, and Pranganj, who are considered close to Saokat Molla, could attempt to relocate stockpiled weapons, bombs, and explosive materials. On Sunday morning, ISF activists reportedly put up posters in Pakapol Market targeting Khairul Islam, a leader alleged to be close to Saokat Molla. The posters described him as a land mafia operator and extortionist, while ISF leaders alleged that he collected money from soil transportation businesses, real-estate companies, and cement mixing plants operating in the Bhagabanpur area near New Town.

Khairul Islam denied all allegations and described them as politically motivated. He claimed the accusations were part of a conspiracy to damage his reputation and said he intended to file a defamation case. Meanwhile, Saokat Molla remains in 14-day custody of the National Investigation Agency at its Kolkata office in New Town, where officials are conducting multiple rounds of questioning. According to sources cited in the report, he has been under mental stress since his arrest and was allowed to meet family members during a court appearance on Saturday.