BJP moves High Court, seeks NIA probe in West Bengal firecracker factory blast

Leader of the Opposition (LoP), Suvendu Adhikari, has moved the Calcutta High Court on Wednesday seeking a probe by the National Investigative Agency (NIA) into the illegal firecracker factory blast at Egra in Khadikul village of East Midnapore district in which nine people died. Two persons are seriously injured and their condition is critical. The West Bengal government has ordered a CID probe into the case.

Adhikari said, "We have moved the Calcutta High Court demanding an NIA probe." He has also demanded the deployment of central forces to prevent destruction of proof related to the blast by the state police and the Trinamool-led government. The hearing is likely to be held on Thursday. "The family of the deceased must get ₹10 lakh compensation from the state government, not ₹2.5 lakh as announced by the chief minister," he said. He said a central forensic team must work on the case.

"The BJP will help the family members of the victims who have been affected due to the blast on Tuesday," he said. He also demanded the resignation of Mamata Banerjee, who also holds the home portfolio.

Talking about the nexus between the police, owner of the illegal factory, Bhanu Bag, and the local administration, Adhikari claimed that Bhanu Bag paid money to the local police station's IC and the police did not take any action against him. Following Mamata Banerjee's directions, IC-Egra has been suspended.

Bhanu Bag, a former panchayat member from the Trinamool Congress, is absconding. Police has filed an FIR against Bhanu Bag and his wife. The CID team, led by IPS officer Gyanwant Singh, has started its probe into the case. A forensic team has reached the spot and the area has been cordoned off.

Local villagers are angry with the Trinamool government and the police inaction.