The NIA searched nine locations in West Bengal in the Bhangar blast case, involving the recovery of 79 crude bombs. The MHA directed the NIA to investigate due to potential terror links and national security implications.
Phase 2 of high-stakes West Bengal assembly elections witnessed violence and allegations of voter intimidation. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claimed BJP observers were interfering in voting and party flags were removed. A BJP polling agent was assaulted in Chapra, a BJP camp office was vandalised in Shantipur, and an ISF agent was prevented from entering a polling booth in Bhangar. Voting was delayed at a booth in Nimta. The Chief Electoral Officer has sought reports from officials.
Second phase of West Bengal assembly elections witnessed violence and vandalism with allegations of voter intimidation. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused BJP observers of interfering in polling in her Bhabanipur constituency, where she faces Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari. A BJP polling agent was allegedly assaulted in Chapra, a BJP camp office was vandalised in Shantipur, and voting was delayed in Nimtala. Police issued warnings to Mamata's brother Kartik Banerjee and TMC workers for gathering near a polling booth.
The Centre has ordered NIA investigation into the recovery of 79 crude bombs in Bhangar, Kolkata. Police raided an abandoned house near a burial ground at Poilepara on Saturday, recovering the explosives. No arrests have been made yet, though NIA may interrogate local strongman Wahidul Islam, a key accused in a March 19 blast case. Tension flared after locals allegedly assaulted Wahidul upon his return to the area.
Police recovered approximately 100 crude bombs from the residence of Rafikul Islam, an alleged TMC worker, in Bhangar, South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal. The discovery was made days before the second phase of assembly elections. The Election Commission issued stern warnings to police officials, stating that officers would face action if explosives or threatening tactics were found in their jurisdictions.
Bhangar and Canning Purba constituencies in South 24 Parganas district are set for a fierce electoral contest on April 29, with the ruling Trinamool Congress facing a strong challenge from the Indian Secular Front led by Nawsad Siddique. The ISF chief won Bhangar in 2021 and is seeking to expand his party's footprint, while TMC has fielded Saokat Molla from Bhangar and Baharul Islam from Canning Purba. Both seats are notorious for political violence, with locals bracing for increased clashes as the polling date approaches.
