The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has formally taken over the investigation into the recovery of a large cache of crude bombs in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district, launching a probe with a suspected terror angle, officials confirmed.
According to reports, around 79 crude bombs along with other incriminating materials were recovered by the state police from an abandoned house in the Bhangar area under Uttar Kashipur police station. The explosives were reportedly tied in bundles and stored in a manner that raised serious concerns about potential misuse and public safety risks.
Following the discovery, the Ministry of Home Affairs directed the NIA to take over the case, citing the gravity of the incident and its possible implications for national security. Acting on this order, the central anti-terror agency re-registered the FIR and officially began its investigation on April 26.
Officials said the case was initially registered by local police after credible inputs about illegal storage of explosives. The materials recovered were suspected to be crude bombs intended for unlawful activities. Investigators believe the stockpile could be part of a larger network, prompting the decision to explore a terror link.
The NIA has stated that the case involves potential violations under the Explosive Substances Act and other criminal provisions. Authorities also noted that the illegal storage of such explosives posed a serious threat to civilian life and property, and required a deeper investigation to uncover any wider conspiracy.
The incident has triggered political and security concerns, especially as the region remains sensitive due to ongoing law and order challenges and past episodes of violence. Security agencies are now focusing on identifying the individuals or groups behind the recovery and determining whether the explosives were meant for planned attacks or intimidation.
The investigation is currently at an early stage, with NIA teams expected to conduct ground-level verification, interrogations, and forensic analysis of the recovered materials.
