National Investigation Agency Arrests Absconding Former MLA Saokot Molla in Bhangar Bomb Blast Case

NEW DELHI, June 6, 2026 — The National Investigation Agency arrested absconding former MLA Saokot Molla, identified as the prime suspect in the Bhangar bomb blast case in West Bengal.

According to the press release issued by the NIA, Molla had been on the run and was apprehended from the South 24 Parganas district following continuous search operations by federal investigators. The high-profile case involves the accidental explosion of a crude bomb during its manufacturing ahead of the West Bengal assembly elections, a detonation that resulted in the death of one bomb maker and left several others injured.

According to investigative findings detailed by the agency, Molla is the fourth accused to be arrested in connection with the case and is suspected to be the key conspirator who directly ordered the other accused to assemble the explosive device.

The ongoing probe further revealed that the former legislator had instructed accomplices to tamper with the scene of the explosion to destroy evidence. His arrest closely follows the apprehension of another co-accused individual who had allegedly used a Scorpio vehicle to transport the deceased and injured victims away from the blast site.

The National Investigation Agency, which assumed control of the investigation from the West Bengal state police under orders from the Ministry of Home Affairs, is currently examining the arrested suspects to uncover any broader conspiracy related to the incident.