Arrested ex-TMC MLA Saokat Molla key conspirator behind Bhangar blast case: NIA

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has identified arrested former Trinamool Congress MLA Saokat Molla as a key conspirator in the Bhangar bomb blast case in West Bengal.

Molla was arrested from South 24 Parganas district after an intensive search operation by the central agency. He was picked up from a hideout in Kamalgazi on the outskirts of Kolkata late Friday night, as per PTI.

This was the fourth arrest in the case.

The NIA had earlier declared Molla an absconder and launched extensive searches across Bhangar, Basanti and nearby areas.

The agency tracked multiple leads during the manhunt, including reports that Molla had been seen travelling through the Basanti-Chunakhali area on a motorcycle while attempting to evade arrest.


Three arrests made earlier

Earlier on Thursday, the NIA in an X post, informed about the arrest of Sainur Molla, the driver of the Scorpio car.

NIA wrote, “With the arrest of Sainur Molla, the driver of the Scorpio car used to transport the bomb makers who were killed and injured in the explosion, the total arrests in the case have gone up to three.



All we know about Bhangar blast case

The Bhangar blast case relates to an explosion that took place on March 19 in Dakshin Bamunia village of South 24 Parganas district in West Bengal.

The blast occurred while crude bombs were allegedly being assembled, killing one person and injuring three others.

Following the incident, the Indian Secular Front (ISF) demanded a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The central agency subsequently took over the investigation into the case.

In April, the NIA arrested Ahidul Islam Molla from Bijoyganj Bazar in South 24 Parganas.

The agency alleged that he was a co-conspirator involved in the manufacture of crude bombs and in attempts to destroy evidence after the explosion.