NIA Takes Over Probe After 79 Crude Bombs Recovered Ahead of West Bengal Polls

April 27, 2026 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has registered a case to investigate the recovery of 79 crude bombs in poll-bound West Bengal, following directions from the Union Home Ministry.

According to officials, the case was initially registered at Uttar Kashi police station under the Bhangar division in Kolkata. The NIA has now taken over the investigation, which concerns the seizure of crude bombs and other incriminating materials that posed a serious threat to human life and property.

The development comes amid heightened vigilance ahead of the state assembly elections. The Election Commission of India had earlier instructed West Bengal Police to launch a special crackdown on illegal bomb manufacturing. It also directed that all such cases be handed over to the NIA for investigation.

The explosives were recovered from the residence of an individual allegedly linked to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in Bhangar, located in South 24 Parganas district, just days before the second and final phase of polling.

In a related development, one person, identified as Wahidul Islam Molla, has been arrested in connection with a March 18 explosion in West Bamunia village of Chaltaberia in Bhangar. The blast reportedly occurred while crude bombs were being assembled.

Investigators have indicated that the accused was directly involved in the incident. TMC booth president Mosiur Kazi was injured in the explosion, and his body was later recovered around 24 kilometres away in Haroa.

The NIA is continuing its probe to uncover the broader network involved in the manufacture and storage of crude explosives in the region.