NIA Arrests Absconding Ex-TMC MLA Saokat Molla In Bhangar Blast Probe

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday night arrested former Trinamool Congress MLA Saokat Molla, the prime suspect in the Bhangar blast case, from West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district. The arrest came just hours after the central agency declared him “absconding” in connection with the investigation.

Confirming the development, an NIA official said Molla was taken into custody as part of the agency’s ongoing probe and would be produced before a court on Saturday. With his arrest, the total number of accused held in the case has risen to four.

The case relates to a crude bomb explosion that occurred on March 19 in Dakshin Bamunia village of South 24 Parganas district. One person was killed and three others sustained critical injuries in the blast. Investigators believe bombs were being manufactured at the site when the explosion took place.