NIA Takes Action in West Bengal: Ensuring Safe Polling Amid Bomb Threats

NIA's Deployment for Poll Security in West Bengal

Kolkata: Officials from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) have been dispatched to seven Assembly constituencies in West Bengal as the second phase of voting takes place on Wednesday. This action follows a request from the Election Commission aimed at preventing the use of explosives to disrupt the electoral process.

The NIA agents are stationed in key areas such as Kasba, Bhangar, Baruipur, and Bishnupur, according to an official statement.

"Indeed, the NIA has been assigned to polling booths in these regions. This decision was made based on specific intelligence reports," the official confirmed, noting that Bhangar was included due to its history of election-related violence.

This directive comes in light of recent discoveries of crude bombs in the state and reports of a minor explosion. On April 26, law enforcement found crude bombs at the residence of an individual, reportedly affiliated with the TMC, in Bhangar, located in the South 24 Parganas district.

Subsequently, following instructions from the Union Home Ministry, the NIA initiated an investigation into the recovery of 79 crude bombs within the state.

Acting on the home ministry's order, the anti-terror agency registered a case on Sunday, which originated from a report filed at the Uttar Kashi police station in the Bhangar division of Kolkata on Saturday.

While the initial phase of voting was mostly peaceful with only isolated incidents, police have reported disturbances in certain areas leading up to the second phase. Extensive armed patrols have been conducted, covering both major roads and smaller lanes.

This deployment also aligns with recent Supreme Court directives permitting the election commission to engage central agencies in investigations, particularly following an incident in Malda where judicial officials were surrounded by protesters opposing the removal of names during the electoral process.