NIA refutes allegations of mala-fide in its Bhoopatinagar blast case actions
New Delhi. NIA on Sunday categorically denying any mala fide in its recent actions in Bhoopatinagar area, and refuted the allegations of unlawful actions levelled against it and dismissed the entire controversy as unfortunate.
NIA made it clear that its actions were bona fide, lawful and legally mandated, as part of its ongoing investigation into the heinous crime related to fabrication of crude bombs, leading to an explosion that killed three persons in Naruabila village, PS Bhoopatinagar, district Purba Medinipur in West Bengal.
The incident had taken place in December 2022 and NIA had taken over the investigation in the case on 6th June, 2023 on the directions of the Hon’ble Calcutta High Court.
NIA has reiterated that its team had come under violent attack by an unruly mob when they had gone to conduct searches in Naruabila village on Saturday in connection with its probe in the said case. The attack was completely unprovoked and uncalled for, and an attempt to obstruct NIA from carrying out its lawful duties, the agency said.
It pointed out that the searches were conducted at five locations in the presence of independent witnesses, and under the security cover provided by CRPF, which included lady constables. The arrests were made after following all lawful procedures, it added.
NIA has re-stated that an aggressive crowd, had assaulted the NIA personnel who were taking arrested accused Manobrata Jana to the local police station for completing legal formalities. One NIA official sustained injuries and an official vehicle of NIA was also damaged in the attack. NIA has already filed a complaint at the area police station seeking legal action against the assailants.
It may be recalled that NIA had on Saturday arrested two accused, Manobrata Jana and Bailicharan Maity, for their involvement in the crude bomb explosion case. NIA has now revealed that the duo had failed to appear before the agency despite repeated summons to join the investigation. It had, accordingly, filed an application before the Special NIA Court, Kolkata, which, after perusing the case records, had issued an order on 3rd April 2024, stating that it found the allegations to be of very serious nature.
The special court had also observed that the agency was “at liberty to proceed with the investigation as expeditiously as possible, and to take all necessary action with regard to arrest, search and seizure of the houses of the suspects/ accused persons, in accordance with the relevant provisions of Criminal Code of Procedure, NIA Act and UA(P)A so far applicable for a proper and thorough investigation”.
Following the Special Court’s order, NIA had, on Saturday, conducted the searches, which culminated in the arrest of the two accused, who were found to be involved in the case.
