Kolkata, June 7: Former Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Shaukat Mollah has been remanded to 14 days of custody by a special NIA court in Kolkata. This follows his arrest related to a bomb blast incident in the Bhangar area of South 24 Parganas, which occurred prior to the assembly elections. Mollah is scheduled to appear in court again on June 19.
Following his arrest on Friday night, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) recovered a mobile phone and a pen drive from Mollah. The court has approved the NIA’s request for a forensic examination of these electronic devices.
The NIA has previously arrested three individuals in connection with this case. Two of the suspects are currently in judicial custody, while one remains in NIA custody. The court has also permitted forensic analysis of the electronic devices seized from these suspects.
During the court proceedings, Mollah’s lawyer requested bail, but the NIA strongly opposed it. The agency argued that Mollah, being a former MLA, holds significant influence in the area and could tamper with evidence or intimidate witnesses if released on bail.
The defense contended that Mollah had Z-category security provided by the previous state government, making his involvement in the bomb blast unlikely. In response, the NIA informed the court that Mollah had been in continuous contact with other suspects after the explosion and was allegedly directing them.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the court granted the NIA’s request and ordered Mollah to be held in custody for 14 days.
According to the NIA, Mollah was attempting to flee to Bangladesh through the coastal border area of South 24 Parganas when local villagers spotted him and gave chase. However, he managed to escape. The NIA then intensified surveillance in the area. Sources indicate that Mollah was arrested by the agency from an undisclosed location in the Baruipur area of South 24 Parganas while he was on his way to surrender at the NIA office in New Town, Kolkata.
Leave a Comment