Strict surveillance has been imposed across all border areas of South and North 24 Parganas in West Bengal.
Image: IANS
More than 24 hours have passed since the NIA launched its search operation, yet Shaukat Molla remains untraced. The former Trinamool MLA has fled the area and gone into hiding. It is suspected that Saokat Molla — an accused in the Bhangar bomb blast case — has left Canning and possibly gone into hiding in Bangladesh.
Consequently, the NIA is now enlisting the help of the BSF to locate him. Strict surveillance has been imposed across all border areas of South and North 24 Parganas in West Bengal. Sources indicate that the NIA may even seek assistance from Interpol if necessary.
Advertisement
On Thursday, the central investigative agency visited Saokat Molla’s residence.
Advertisement
A search operation had been underway at Saokat’s home in Jibantala, Canning, since Thursday morning. Searches were conducted not only at his residence, but also at several other premises linked to him. As Saokat Molla was not at home, the NIA conducted the search in the presence of his son, Imran Molla, and also questioned family members.
Investigators also visited a café owned by Saokat’s son in Moukhali; allegations suggest the establishment was constructed illegally by filling in a riverine shoal.
The NIA was pursuing new leads in the investigation of a bomb blast that occurred in the South Bamunia area of the Bhangar Assembly constituency prior to the Assembly elections.
Following the initial investigation, the NIA had previously arrested Trinamool leader Wahidul Islam and his associates.
Advertisement
