New Delhi, June 4: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday conducted extensive searches at multiple locations in connection with the Bhangar bomb blast case in West Bengal and arrested a third accused linked to the incident.
According to an NIA press release, the arrested individual has been identified as Sainur Molla, who allegedly drove the Scorpio vehicle used to transport the bomb makers involved in the explosion. With his arrest, the total number of accused apprehended in the case has risen to three.
The agency said the blast occurred while crude bombs were allegedly being manufactured ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections, resulting in casualties and injuries among those involved.
As part of the operation, NIA teams carried out searches at eight locations, including the residence and suspected hideouts of former MLA and absconding accused Saokat Molla, who is believed to be a key conspirator in the case. Premises linked to other suspects were also searched.
During the raids, investigators seized several incriminating materials, documents, electronic devices, and digital evidence, which have been sent for forensic examination.
The probe has revealed that after the explosion, Sainur Molla allegedly transported the deceased and injured persons from the blast site, first taking them to a local hospital and later moving them to another location before handing them over to an ambulance. The ambulance driver, already arrested in the case, remains in judicial custody.
The NIA, which took over the investigation on the directions of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), is examining the wider conspiracy behind the incident. Efforts are underway to trace and arrest absconding accused, including Saokat Molla, officials said.(KNC)
