Bengal polls: 79 crude bombs recovered from TMC worker's house in Bhangar; MHA hands over case to NIA

Police on Sunday recovered at least 79 crude bombs from the residence of a person, allegedly a Trinamool Congress (TMC) worker, at Bhangar in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, just days ahead of the second phase of Assembly elections in the state, an official said.

The explosives were seized during a search operation at the house of Rafikul Islam, conducted on the basis of specific intelligence inputs, he said.

"A stern message has been issued to the Commissioner of Police, Kolkata, all DCPs, SPs and officers up to the rank of OC and IC that if any such explosive is found or threatening tactics are used by any person in their jurisdiction, the concerned officer will face action," the Election Commission official told PTI.

The official added that surveillance and area domination would be stepped up in vulnerable pockets to ensure voters can cast their ballots without fear.

Polling for the



294-member West Bengal Assembly began with the first phase on April 23, while the second phase is scheduled for April 29. Counting of votes will take place on May 4. Bhangar is among the constituencies going to the polls in the second phase.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Sunday registered a case to probe the recovery of 79 crude bombs in poll-bound West Bengal, officials said. The move came following a directive by the Union Home Ministry in this regard, they said.

In pursuance of the MHA's order, the anti-terror agency on Sunday registered a case, which was originally filed at Uttar Kashi police station, Bhangar division, Kolkata on Saturday, and took up the investigation, an NIA spokesperson said in a late-night statement. "The case pertains to the recovery of 79 crude bombs and other incriminating materials by Kolkata police, which were being stored at a spot, thereby endangering human life and property," the spokesperson said.