NIA officials attacked during investigation in Bengal after ED raid

A team of National Investigation Agency (NIA) was attacked by a group of local people in Bhupatinagar, West Bengal, while investigating an explosion that occurred in December 2022, claiming three lives. This incident marks the second attack on a Central agency team in three months in the state.

The NIA had summoned local TMC leaders, including Balai Maiti and Monobrata Jana, for interrogation related to the blast. When the duo ignored the summons, NIA detained them in Bhupatinagar. However, on their way back, a group of villagers stopped the vehicle and demanded the release of the duo.

Despite the officials’ refusal, over 100 individuals attacked the vehicle, injuring two NIA officials. The officials managed to reach the local police station safely, where they began the process of filing an FIR in the matter. This incident highlights the challenges faced by central agency teams while operating in the state.

The Trinamool Congress leadership has criticized the NIA’s actions, alleging that the investigation is a deliberate attempt by the BJP and Central government to target TMC leaders. The attack on the NIA team raises concerns about the safety of officials conducting investigations in sensitive areas.