The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday filed a case to probe the recovery of 79 crude bombs in West Bengal’s Bhangar district, following directions from the Home Ministry on Sunday.
A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered, the NIA spokesperson said.
The case dated April 25 was initially filed at Uttar Kashipur police station under Bhangar division in Kolkata on Saturday.
“The case relates to the recovery by Kolkata Police of 79 raw bombs and other incriminating materials, which were stored somewhere on April 25, endangering human lives and property,” the spokesperson said.
The action came when the Election Commission of India (ECI) instructed the state police to arrest the bomb makers. The Election Commission of India said that all these cases will be investigated by the central agency.
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The agency on Sunday also arrested a key accused in the Dakshin-Pamunia bomb blast case, in which one person was killed and three others seriously injured last month. The accused, Ahidul Islam Molla, was arrested from Bijoyganj Bazar area of South 24 Parganas district after a detailed examination for his role in the blast.
The NIA said in a statement: “NIA investigations revealed that Ahidul Islam was a co-conspirator in the crime, which involved preparing bombs and destroying evidence. The bombs exploded while they were being prepared as part of the conspiracy, resulting in the death of one of the accused involved in the crime.”
Earlier, in February, the NIA had filed a case to investigate the transportation of two bags filled with 500 pieces of gelatin sticks and 50 kg of ammonium nitrate from Nilhati, which were seized in March.
Central paramilitary forces have recovered a large number of crude bombs, explosives, weapons and over 52,000 licensed weapons from West Bengal since March 15.
The first phase of the Assembly elections in West Bengal was held on April 23, and ended with a record turnout of 92.35%. The second phase will take place on April 29. The votes will be counted on May 4.
