NIA arrests ex-TMC MLA Saokat Molla in Bhangar blast case

Former Trinamool Congress MLA Saokat Molla, who was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), has been identified as the key conspirator in the Bhangar bomb blast case in West Bengal. The NIA has arrested absconding former MLA Molla, the probe agency said in a statement on Saturday. TMC leader Molla, who had been on the run, was picked up from the South 24 Parganas district. Molla, the ex-MLA from Canning Purba, was taken to the NIA office for questioning following his arrest, the official said, adding that the biker with whom the accused was riding pillion was also held.
One person was killed, and three others were critically injured in the crude bomb explosion at Dakshin Bamunia village in South 24 Parganas district on March 19, while bombs were allegedly being made there. According to NIA statement, the ex MLA was the key conspirator who had directed the other accused to make the bomb. Molla had also directed other accused to tamper the scene of the explosion, the probe has further revealed.With the TMC leader's arrest, the total number of people held in the case has gone up to four.
The arrest came a day after the central agency conducted extensive searches at Molla's residence and several other locations linked to him across South 24 Parganas district.  The NIA had earlier served a summons notice on Molla through his family members and questioned his son during the investigation, officials said. 

(Freelance Journalist)