New Delhi, India: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has refuted allegations made by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee regarding a recent raid conducted in East Medinipur. The NIA defended its actions, stating that its team was attacked by villagers during a search related to an investigation into a crude bomb explosion that resulted in three fatalities in December 2022. The agency emphasized that the search was lawful and necessary for their ongoing probe.
The NIA clarified that its team faced violence from an unruly mob while conducting searches in Naruabila village in connection with the Bhupathinagar blast case. The agency stated that the attack was unprovoked and obstructed their lawful duties. The searches were carried out with the presence of independent witnesses and under the security cover provided by CRPF, including lady constables. The arrests made by the NIA followed all lawful procedures.
Following the arrest of two individuals, Manobrata Jana and Bailicharan Maity, for their involvement in the Bhupathinagar crude bomb explosion case, the NIA revealed that the accused had failed to appear despite repeated summons for investigation. The agency sought an order from the Special NIA Court, Kolkata, to proceed with the investigation promptly and take necessary actions in compliance with the law.
The special court granted permission for the NIA to conduct searches, leading to the arrests of the two accused individuals. The NIA noted that during the arrest process, its personnel were attacked by a hostile crowd, resulting in injuries to one official and damage to an official vehicle. The agency has lodged a complaint with the local police seeking legal action against the assailants.
In response to the incident, the NIA expressed regret over the violence encountered by its team and reiterated its commitment to conducting thorough and lawful investigations. The agency emphasized that it would continue its efforts to uncover the truth behind the explosion in Naruabila village and bring those responsible to justice.