The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday conducted a raid at the residence of Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and former MLA Shoukat Mollah in the Jibantala area of South 24 Parganas. These raids were carried out in connection with investigations into post-poll violence and a pre-election explosion case.
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A special team of the central agency, accompanied by paramilitary forces and local police, cordoned off the area early in the morning before launching the search operation. However, Mollah was not found at his residence during the raid.
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According to sources, in the absence of the TMC MLA, NIA officials detained his son, Imran Mollah, for the purpose of interrogation. Though not formally arrested, he was taken along by investigators to assist in searches at multiple locations linked to the case.
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Reports indicate that two separate NIA teams arrived at the Jibantala residence and questioned family members at length regarding Mollahโs whereabouts. Family members reportedly informed officials that he was not at home. Following this, one of his sons was taken into custody and escorted by the investigators.
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The NIA team subsequently conducted searches at a hotel owned by Mollah, as well as at several other premises believed to be associated with him. The coordinated operation is part of an ongoing probe into the explosion that occurred on March 18 in the Chaltaberia-Bamunia area of Bhangar, along with multiple incidents of post-poll violence.
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Sources within the agency revealed that Mollahโs name has surfaced during the course of the investigation, prompting the current search operation. Investigators suspect that he may be located somewhere in Kolkata or its adjoining areas. Unable to trace him so far, officials proceeded with further searches while keeping his son in custody for questioning.
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A prominent political figure in the Bhangar region, Mollah has been associated with local politics for several years. His name has repeatedly emerged in connection with incidents of political clashes and violence following the Assembly elections, although the TMC leadership has consistently denied all allegations against him.
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This is not the first time central agencies have acted against him. Previously, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had summoned Mollah multiple times in connection with a coal smuggling investigation, subjecting him to prolonged interrogation. No arrests were made in that case.
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The latest action by the NIA has reignited political speculation, with sources suggesting that Mollah may soon be formally summoned for questioning. However, the agency has not issued any official statement regarding the ongoing operation.
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Local residents reported heightened activity in the Jibantala area since early morning, with the presence of central forces drawing crowds of onlookers. The development has since become a major talking point in both political and administrative circles.
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Investigators are continuing efforts to trace Mollah while examining his possible role in the explosion and the post-poll violence incidents.