A team of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) faced an attack in West Bengal's East Medinipur district on Saturday during a raid related to a 2022 bomb blast case. The incident occurred in the Bhupitaninagar area, resulting in an injury to an officer of the anti-terror agency.
According to reports, the NIA team was carrying out the raid when they were suddenly attacked by a mob. The attackers vandalized the agency's car, breaking its windscreen in the process. Video footage showed several individuals blocking a police vehicle and shouting at the security personnel.
The NIA team had earlier arrested two individuals, including the main accused Monobroto Jana, in connection with the bomb blast case. The attack occurred as the team was returning to Kolkata from the operation.
An FIR has been filed regarding the incident, citing various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property (PDPP) Act. The case has been lodged against Monobroto Jana, his family members, and other unidentified persons.
While an NIA source claimed that the local police were informed in advance about the raid, police sources indicated that the NIA team arrived at Bhupitaninagar earlier than expected and then called for reinforcements.
The situation is reported to be under control, and the police have initiated an investigation into the attack.
The Bhupitanagar blast, which occurred in December 2022 at the residence of a Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader, resulted in the death of three individuals. The NIA commenced its investigation into the matter in June 2023.
This incident comes just two months after an attack on a team of the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in Bengal's Sandeshkhali on January 5. Expelled TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan was subsequently arrested in connection with the attack, along with several of his associates.
