Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jun 24: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday announced the arrest of two key accused in connection with a 2022 bomb blast in West Bengal's Howrah district that claimed one life and injured three others.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Asfar Middya and Entajul Middya, both residents of the Amta area in Howrah (Rural). They were taken into custody on Tuesday night following searches conducted at three suspected hideouts in the region, the agency said in a statement.

According to the NIA, the duo were the prime accused who allegedly directed the illegal manufacture of crude bombs near Chandrapur Bazar under the Amta police station limits on February 23, 2022.

During the bomb-making process, several explosives accidentally detonated, leaving Jahadhar Mollah, Mohabbat Mollah, Moinur Rahaman and S.K. Maharam seriously injured.

Maharam, who was allegedly involved in manufacturing the bombs, later succumbed to his injuries.

The NIA took over the investigation from the local police in April 2024. During the probe, investigators found that Asfar and Entajul were allegedly overseeing the bomb manufacturing operation and that the explosives were intended to threaten and terrorise people in the area.

The agency had earlier arrested and charge-sheeted four other accused in the case.

Further investigation is underway, the NIA said.