NIA investigates 79 crude bombs found in Bengal, terror angle under scanner

According to officials, the explosives were recovered from an abandoned house near a burial ground in Majherhat village in South 24 Parganas district, based on specific intelligence inputs.

In Short

• 79 crude bombs recovered in South 24 Parganas amid Bengal polls
• Probe initiated on Centre's directive, terror angle under investigation
• Political tensions rise as rival groups trade allegations over explosives

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has registered a case and launched a probe into the recovery of a cache of crude bombs in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas, stepping in amid the ongoing Assembly elections and examining a possible terror angle behind the incident. The anti-terror agency took over the case following directions from the Union Home Ministry, registering a fresh FIR on April 26.

The matter pertains to bhangar-crude-bombs-recovered-trinamool-congress-west-bengal-deflects-blame-2901803-2026-04-26" target="_blank">the recovery of 79 crude bombs and other materials by Kolkata Police on April 25, which were allegedly stored at a location in Bhangar, posing a serious threat to human life and property.

Initially registered at Uttar Kashipur Police Station, the case was filed under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Explosive Substances Act, 1908.

"In pursuance of the MHA order, the NIA has taken over and registered a case related to the recovery of crude bombs in West Bengal. The case pertains to the recovery of 79 crude bombs and other incriminating materials by Kolkata police, which were being stored at a spot on April 25, thereby endangering human life and property. The NIA registered the case on April 26," the anti-terror agency said.

According to officials, the explosives were recovered from an abandoned house near a burial ground in Majherhat village in South 24 Parganas district, based on specific intelligence inputs.

The police found 79 round-shaped objects suspected to be crude bombs, tied with jute ropes, along with other incriminating materials believed to be used in their preparation.

Authorities in the Home Ministry assessed the case as involving a "scheduled offence" under the NIA Act, citing potential national security implications.

Officials noted that the illegal storage and handling of explosives could have been intended to spread fear and terror among citizens, prompting the agency to examine the matter from a terror angle and investigate any wider conspiracy.

The development comes in the middle of a heated election battle in West Bengal.

The Election Commission has directed state police to launch a special drive against those involved in the illegal manufacture and storage of crude bombs.

It has also mandated that all such cases be investigated by the NIA. Senior police officials have been warned of strict action in case of lapses in maintaining law and order ahead of polling.

The recovery of explosives has also triggered a political confrontation.

A cache of crude bombs was earlier found near the residence of a man allegedly linked to a political party in Bhangar, leading to allegations and counter-allegations between rival groups.

While one side accused the ruling establishment of stockpiling explosives to create unrest, the other denied the claims and alleged a deliberate attempt to malign them.

This is not an isolated incident in the region, with multiple recoveries reported in recent days.

In one instance, police recovered a large number of bombs from an abandoned house, while in another, explosives were found concealed in a garden area.

These incidents have heightened security concerns, especially with polling underway.

The first phase of the Assembly elections recorded a high voter turnout of over 93 per cent, with the second phase scheduled shortly. Counting of votes will take place on May 4.

With the NIA now leading the investigation, the focus will be on uncovering the source of the explosives, identifying those responsible, and determining whether the case is linked to a broader network or coordinated effort.

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