The National Investigation Agency arrested former TMC MLA Saokat Molla in connection with the Bhangar bomb blast case, identifying him as a key conspirator. Molla was apprehended during a late-night operation in South 24 Parganas, becoming the fourth person arrested in the investigation.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested former Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Saokat Molla in connection with the Bhangar bomb blast case and has identified him as one of the principal conspirators behind the incident that shook West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district earlier this year.
Molla was apprehended during a late-night operation conducted by the NIA in South 24 Parganas after investigators tracked his movements over several weeks. According to agency officials, he was arrested from a hideout in Kamalgazi on the outskirts of Kolkata following an intensive search operation. His arrest marks a significant development in the probe and makes him the fourth person to be taken into custody in the case.
Background of the Bhangar Blast
The case stems from a powerful explosion that occurred on March 19, 2026, in Dakshin Bamunia village of Bhangar in South 24 Parganas district. The blast reportedly took place at a location where crude bombs were allegedly being manufactured and assembled.
The explosion resulted in the death of one person and left three others seriously injured. The incident triggered widespread concern in the region, with political parties and local residents demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the blast and the alleged bomb-making network operating in the area.
Following the incident, the Indian Secular Front (ISF), which enjoys considerable support in the Bhangar region, demanded a probe by the NIA, alleging the involvement of an organized network behind the manufacture and storage of explosives. Considering the gravity of the allegations and the potential implications for public safety, the central agency subsequently took over the investigation from the State authorities.
Saokat Molla Declared Absconder
As the investigation progressed, the NIA identified several individuals allegedly linked to the conspiracy behind the explosion. During the course of the probe, investigators reportedly gathered material suggesting the involvement of former MLA Saokat Molla.
The agency subsequently declared him an absconder and launched extensive search operations across multiple locations, including Bhangar, Basanti and adjoining areas of South 24 Parganas district. Investigators pursued several leads during the manhunt and monitored information regarding his movements.
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According to sources associated with the investigation, Molla was allegedly attempting to evade arrest and was reportedly seen travelling through the Basanti-Chunakhali belt on a motorcycle while moving between different locations. The NIA continued surveillance and intelligence-gathering efforts before eventually locating and arresting him from Kamalgazi.
The agency has now described him as a key conspirator in the case and is expected to interrogate him regarding the planning, procurement of materials and alleged network involved in the manufacture of crude bombs. Prior to Molla’s arrest, the NIA had already detained three individuals in connection with the blast.
One of the earliest arrests was that of Ahidul Islam Molla, who was taken into custody in April from Bijoyganj Bazar in South 24 Parganas. The agency alleged that Ahidul played an active role in the manufacture of crude bombs and was involved in efforts to destroy evidence after the explosion occurred. The investigation later led to additional arrests as investigators pieced together the sequence of events preceding the blast.
On Thursday, the NIA announced the arrest of Sainur Molla, who allegedly drove the Scorpio vehicle used to transport the individuals involved in bomb-making activities.
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In a statement posted on social media platform X, the agency said,
“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.”
Investigators believe the vehicle played a crucial role in transporting persons connected with the bomb-making operation before the fatal explosion took place.
With the arrest of former MLA Saokat Molla, the NIA has intensified its efforts to uncover the larger conspiracy behind the Bhangar blast. The agency is examining the chain of events that led to the explosion, the source of the explosives used, and the roles allegedly played by various individuals connected to the operation.
Officials are also probing whether the bomb-making activities were part of a larger organized network operating in the region. The agency is expected to continue questioning the arrested accused and analyse digital, forensic and documentary evidence collected during the investigation.
The Bhangar blast case remains one of the most significant investigations being conducted by the NIA in West Bengal this year, with authorities seeking to establish the full extent of the conspiracy behind the deadly explosion.
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