Kolkata, India – The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has made a statement addressing the recent incident in the Bhupatinagar area, asserting that the attack on its officers was unprovoked. The agency refuted allegations of unlawful actions made by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) but did not comment on bribery accusations against one of its officers.
According to the NIA, its actions in Bhupatinagar were lawful and mandated as part of an ongoing investigation into a crime involving the fabrication of crude bombs. The agency emphasized that its probe, initiated in December 2022 under the instructions of the Calcutta High Court, led to an explosion that resulted in three fatalities in Naruabila village, West Bengal.
During a search operation in Naruabila village, the NIA team encountered a violent attack from a mob, hindering their duties. Despite conducting searches at five locations with the presence of independent witnesses and security provided by the CRPF, the agency faced resistance. The arrests of Manobrata Jana and Bailicharan Maity, related to the crude bomb explosion case, were made following legal procedures.
NIA personnel were assaulted by an aggressive crowd, with one official sustaining injuries and a vehicle being damaged. The agency filed a complaint at the local police station seeking legal action against the perpetrators. The arrested individuals had failed to appear before the NIA despite repeated summons for investigation, leading to a court order affirming the serious nature of the allegations.
The NIA defended its actions as lawful and necessary, reiterating its commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities in line with the law. The incident in Bhupatinagar sheds light on the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in carrying out their duties amidst resistance and obstruction. The NIA’s statement underscores the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety of personnel involved in complex investigations.