The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday carried out searches at the residence of former Trinamool Congress MLA Saokat Molla in South 24 Parganas district as part of its investigation into a bomb blast that took place ahead of the recent West Bengal Assembly elections.
The searches mark the latest development in a case that has drawn political attention since the blast in South Bamunia, Bhangar, claimed one life and left several others injured. The probe was later transferred to the NIA following demands for a central investigation, with the agency already arresting multiple suspects, including Trinamool Congress leader Wahidul Islam.
NIA officials, accompanied by central security personnel, reached Molla’s residence on Thursday morning and also searched a party office located next to the house. According to agency sources, investigators were gathering information linked to the South Bamunia blast case.
Reports indicated that Molla was not present at the residence when the agency team arrived. Investigators questioned his son, Imran Molla, while his wife and daughter were also at the house during the operation. When approached by reporters, Molla’s daughter declined to comment on the agency action.
Sources familiar with the investigation said the searches were aimed at collecting evidence and examining possible links connected to the blast that occurred days before the Assembly elections.
Minister says those linked to case must cooperate
Reacting to the NIA action, West Bengal Minister Tapas Roy said anyone connected to an investigation is expected to cooperate with the agency.
“Wherever a case exists, wherever someone is involved, that person will inevitably be issued a summons and will have to appear,” Roy told ANI.
NIA had earlier arrested several accused
The South Bamunia blast case was handed over to the NIA after demands for a central probe. Since taking charge, the agency has arrested several individuals, including Trinamool Congress leader Wahidul Islam.
Molla, a two-time Trinamool MLA from Canning Purba, contested the 2026 Assembly election from Bhangar but was defeated by Indian Secular Front (ISF) leader Nawsad Siddiqui. The ISF had earlier sought an NIA investigation into the blast incident.