Bengal: NIA team attacked in Purba Medinipur while arresting suspect in blast case

A team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) encountered an attack at Bhupatinagar in West Bengal’s East Midnapore district on Saturday morning. The officials had arrived to investigate a blast case at a Trinamool Congress leader’s house that occurred in 2022.

This incident bears resemblance to a previous attack on a team from the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) in Sandeshkhali, North 24 Parganas district. In that instance, officers faced hostility, resistance, and assault from protesters while conducting a raid at the residence of expelled and incarcerated TMC figure Sheikh Shahjahan, along with another ruling party leader, in connection with an alleged food scam.

According to sources within the NIA, the team investigating the blast case faced aggression while visiting Purba Medinipur district on Saturday. It’s reported that the vehicle transporting the NIA officers was damaged during the process of apprehending an individual linked to the case.

Earlier this morning, a team of NIA officials arrested two individuals in connection with the case and was en route back to Kolkata when their vehicle was attacked, according to source.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a police complaint regarding this incident. Additionally, a significant contingent of central police forces has arrived at Bhupatinagar, where the NIA team, accompanied by the two arrested individuals, is currently stationed, according to police sources.

A video circulating on social media purportedly shows locals surrounding the vehicle, attempting to obstruct the NIA team from taking the suspect into custody. Additionally, sources mentioned that villagers threw stones at the vehicle.

This situation is ongoing, and further details are awaited.