Kolkata (West Bengal) [India]: Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to take immediate action regarding the recent explosion in Dhola, West Bengal. In his letter to Shah on Tuesday, Majumdar stressed that those responsible should face the “full weight” of the law.
The minister raised concerns that the explosion, which reportedly took place at an illegal firecracker factory, could have actually been a clandestine bomb-making facility operating under political protection.
Call for NIA Investigation
“I am writing to express profound concern regarding the recent explosion in Dhola, South 24 Parganas, West Bengal. According to local reports, this tragic event, allegedly occurring at an ‘illegal firecracker factory,’ has resulted in over six fatalities. However, suspicions arise that it may have been a deliberate explosion at a clandestine bomb-making facility operating under political protection,” Majumdar stated.
As the Minister of State for Education and West Bengal BJP president, Majumdar highlighted the increasing incidents involving illegal arms and explosives in the state, calling them a serious threat to national security and public safety.
He urged Shah to commission the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for a comprehensive probe into the explosion, stating:
“It is crucial to determine the origins of these explosives, hold those responsible accountable, and dismantle any networks involved in illicit arms and bomb production.”
Rising Concerns Over Law and Order in West Bengal
Majumdar also raised concerns about “lawlessness and unchecked extremism” in West Bengal, asserting that residents deserve a secure environment, free from politically shielded criminal threats.
As many as six people were killed and several others injured in the explosion in Patharpratima, South 24 Parganas district, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari confirmed.
Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, condemned the incident, saying:
“Devastating news from Patharpratima, South 24 Parganas district – 6 people have died and several are injured after another explosion in a crude bomb manufacturing unit.”
Pattern of Explosions in the State
Adhikari pointed out that this was not an isolated incident, referring to another explosion on February 7, 2025, in Kalyani, which killed four people. He listed multiple similar incidents across the state, including Bhupatinagar, Egra, Budge Budge, and Kalyani.
“How many more tragedies will take place before serious action is taken? The DGP @WBPolice must answer why the State of West Bengal is sitting on a pile of crude bombs,” he said.
Compensation and Police Response
The BJP leader noted that while Rs 2 lakh would likely be announced for the families of the victims, public attention would soon move on without addressing the core issue.
Meanwhile, the West Bengal police were present at the explosion site in Patharpratima village, Dholahat, to investigate the cause of the blast.
As political tensions rise over the law-and-order situation in West Bengal, the demand for an NIA investigation and stricter measures against illegal arms networks continues to gain momentum.