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April 29, 2026: NIA teams in 7 Bengal districts voting today to check for explosives
NIA teams were deployed in seven districts of West Bengal during the second phase of the state elections to search for explosives. The move follows earlier NIA involvement in a bomb seizure case in Bhangar and a series of court- and government-directed actions starting with a hostage incident in Malda and a SC directive for an NIA/CBI probe.
Why It Matters
Demonstrates how national security agencies participate in a state election to deter bomb threats and ensure safe voting.
Timeline
6 Events
NIA teams deployed in seven districts during second phase voting
April 29, 2026
NIA teams were deployed in seven Bengal districts voting in the second phase to independently search for explosives. Specific sites include Bhangar, Burdwan, Hooghly, Nadia, Baruipur and Kasba, Diamond Harbour, the Bishnupur police station area, and the Barrackpore Police Commissionerate area.
ECI directs police to arrest bomb makers within 24 hours
April 26, 2026
The Election Commission directed West Bengal Police to launch a special drive to arrest bomb makers across the state within 24 hours, with all such cases to be investigated by the NIA.
NIA begins bomb case investigation in Bhangar area
April 26, 2026
The NIA started investigating a bomb seizure case in Bhangar’s Uttar Kashipur area in South 24 Parganas under a Home Ministry directive.
NIA registers preliminary enquiry (arrest later at Bagdogra airport)
April 2, 2026
Following the SC directive, the NIA registered a preliminary enquiry; the agency later arrested the alleged mastermind at Bagdogra airport. (arrest date not specified in the article)
SC directive to order CBI/NIA probe
April 2, 2026
The Supreme Court directed the Election Commission of India to order a CBI or NIA probe.
Malda hostage incident involving judicial officers
April 1, 2026
Seven judicial officers overseeing the voter roll revision process were held hostage by a mob in Malda.