West Bengal: NIA arrests 2 prime accused in Amta bomb blast case

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two key accused in connection with the 2022 bomb blast in West Bengal's Amta area that claimed one life and left three others injured. The accused, Asfar Middya and Entajul Middya, both residents of Amta in Howrah (Rural) district, were arrested on Tuesday night following searches conducted at three suspected hideouts in the area.
According to the NIA, the duo were the prime conspirators who directed the illegal manufacture of crude bombs near Chandrapur Bazar under the Amta Police Station limits on February 23, 2022. During the manufacturing process, several bombs exploded, causing severe injuries to Jahadhar Mollah, Mohabbat Mollah, Moinur Rahaman, and Sk Maharam. Among them, Sk Maharam later succumbed to his injuries.
The NIA, which took over the investigation from the local police in April 2024, found that Asfar and Entajul were operating and controlling the bomb-making unit. The agency's investigation revealed that the bombs were intended to be used for intimidating and terrorizing people in the area. Earlier, four accused had already been arrested and charge-sheeted in the case. The investigation is continuing.

(Freelance Journalist)