NIA Deployed in West Bengal Ahead of Second Phase Voting to Ensure Safety
Ahead of the second phase of voting in West Bengal, the Election Commission has deployed the NIA to ensure a safe electoral process. This decision follows the discovery of homemade bombs linked to a TMC worker, raising concerns about potential violence. The NIA has taken over the investigation into the bomb seizure, emphasizing the need for voter safety. With the first phase already completed, officials are taking stringent measures to ensure that voters can participate without fear. Read on to learn more about the situation and the steps being taken to secure the elections.
| Apr 28, 2026, 19:54 IST
NIA's Role in Ensuring Safe Elections
As the second phase of voting approaches in West Bengal, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has deployed the National Investigation Agency (NIA). Election officials announced on Tuesday that this measure aims to prevent criminals from disrupting the voting process and targeting political party workers with explosives. This decision follows reports of homemade bombs being discovered and a minor explosion in the state. The first phase of voting took place on April 23, while the second phase is scheduled for Wednesday. ECI officials stated that they are implementing strict measures to prevent any violence on or after voting day, ensuring that voters can cast their ballots without fear.
Seizure of Homemade Bombs Linked to TMC Worker
79 Homemade Bombs Found at TMC Worker’s Residence
On April 26, police recovered at least 79 homemade bombs from the home of an individual in the Bhangar area of South 24 Parganas district. Reports indicate that the individual is a worker of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The explosives were seized during a search operation at Rafiqul Islam's residence, which was conducted based on specific intelligence. Following this, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) registered a case to investigate the recovery of these bombs under the directive of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
NIA Takes Over Investigation
NIA's Statement on the Investigation
A spokesperson for the NIA released a statement late at night, confirming that the agency has initiated a case in compliance with the Home Ministry's orders. This case was originally filed on Saturday at the North Kashi police station in the Bhangar division of Kolkata. The agency has now taken over the investigation. The spokesperson noted, "This case pertains to the seizure of 79 homemade bombs and other objectionable materials by the Kolkata police. These items were stored in one location, posing a threat to human life and property."