New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) faced accusations of assaulting residents in Bhupatinagar, West Bengal, sparking controversy over their investigation into a bombing incident that claimed three lives in December 2022. The anti-terror agency vehemently denied the allegations, stating that their team was met with violence from a hostile mob during a search operation in Naruabila village.
According to the NIA, the attack was unprovoked and intended to obstruct their lawful duties. The searches were carried out at five locations with the presence of independent witnesses and under the protection of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), which included female constables. Despite facing resistance, the NIA managed to arrest two key suspects linked to the bomb blast in East Midnapore district.
The incident escalated when the NIA team was ambushed while trying to complete the formalities of the arrest at Bhupatinagar police station. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the NIA of working in favor of the BJP and criticized the timing and conduct of the raid. She alleged that the NIA officers had assaulted residents instead of the other way around.
Responding to the accusations, the NIA emphasized that their personnel were attacked by an aggressive crowd while carrying out their duties. One NIA officer sustained injuries, and their vehicle was damaged during the confrontation. The agency filed a police complaint seeking legal action against the assailants responsible for the attack.
The NIA’s actions were taken after the suspects, Manobrata Jana and Balai Charan Maity, ignored repeated summons. Following an order from a special court, the NIA was granted permission to proceed with the investigation swiftly and take necessary actions, including arrests and searches, to ensure a thorough inquiry.
The clash between the NIA and residents of Bhupatinagar highlights the challenges faced in conducting law enforcement operations amid tense environments. The allegations and counterclaims underscore the need for transparency and accountability in such high-stakes investigations to maintain public trust and uphold the rule of law.