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EC asks NIA to ensure bombs not used to disrupt Bengal polls on Wednesday
Ahead of West Bengal's phase two polls, the Election Commission directed the NIA to prevent bombs from disrupting voting or harming party workers, following reports of crude bombs and a minor blast. The timeline includes phase one voting, bomb recoveries in Bhangar, and subsequent NIA action, with plans for phase two and extended central-force deployment.
Why It Matters
The move highlights heightened security concerns around West Bengal elections and the involvement of federal agencies to prevent violence and ensure smooth voting.
Timeline
7 Events
Phase two polling scheduled for Wednesday
April 28, 2026
Phase two of polling in West Bengal was reported to be scheduled for Wednesday.
EC asks NIA to ensure bombs are not used to disrupt Bengal polls
April 28, 2026
The Election Commission asked the NIA to ensure that bombs are not used to disrupt voting and to target workers of political parties, in light of the crude-bomb recoveries and a reported minor blast.
NIA registers case to probe crude bombs
April 27, 2026
Following a directive from the Union Home Ministry, the National Investigation Agency registered a case to probe the recovery of 79 crude bombs and took up the investigation.
Original case filed at Uttar Kashi police station
April 26, 2026
The case concerning the recovery of 79 crude bombs was originally filed at Uttar Kashi police station, Bhangar division, Kolkata, on Saturday.
Crude bombs recovered from Bhangar residence
April 26, 2026
Police recovered 79 crude bombs from the house of a person, allegedly a TMC worker, at Bhangar in South 24 Parganas district.
Phase one polling in West Bengal held
April 23, 2026
Phase one of the West Bengal Assembly elections took place.
EC continues deployment of central forces
April 2026
The EC had earlier this month decided to continue deployment of 500 companies of central forces in the state even after counting of votes on May 4.