Bhangar blast case: NIA arrests ex-TMC MLA Saokat Molla from Kamalgazi

KOLKATA: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday night arrested former Trinamool MLA Saokat Molla in connection with the Bhangar blast case.

Molla who was on the run for the past 48 hours was picked up from a Kamalgazi hideout, off south Kolkata.

NIA had earlier declared him an absconder and stepped up efforts to trace him. Despite extensive searches across Bhangar, Basanti and adjoining areas over the past two days, investigators had intially failed to locate him.

Senior officials said the agency had also feared that Molla may attempt to flee the area. His details were also shared with the Border Security Force (BSF), and border units were placed on alert.

On Thursday, multiple NIA teams searched Molla's residence, party office and premises linked to his associates. Officials believe he left the area before the raids began. After waiting for several hours, investigators conducted searches in the presence of family members. His son, Ahmedul Molla, was later arrested.

According to sources, Molla was last seen in the Basanti–Chunakhali area riding pillion on a motorcycle. Witnesses allegedly told investigators that he was wearing a red outfit and a helmet. Acting on these inputs, NIA teams, assisted by central forces, searched several locations, including a madrassa and nearby forested areas, but found no trace of him.

NIA had earlier arrested three individuals in connection with this case.