Ragpicker Injured After Blast In Central Kolkata, BJP Demands Thorough Probe

Kolkata: A ragpicker was injured after a blast that occurred near SN Banerjee Road here on Saturday. The explosive device, concealed in a plastic bag, detonated when the man picked up the bag. The injured individual, identified as 58-year-old Bapi Das, is a ragpicker who resides on a footpath along SN Banerjee Road. 

The injured person sustained injuries to his right wrist and is receiving treatment at Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital. Reports indicated that a woman was also injured in the incident. 

What Kolkata Police Said?

“Information was received at around 13.45 hrs that at the x-ing of Blochmann St and S N Banerjee Rd an incident of blast took place and one person/rag picker was injured. Accordingly, OC Taltala went there and learnt that the injured was removed to NRS & had sustained an injury on his right wrist. The area was cordoned with security tape and then the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squads (BDDS) team was called. Accordingly, BDDS personnel reached, and checked the bag and the vicinity. After their clearance, traffic was allowed”, said Kolkata Police.   

Eyewtiness Account

“We were standing nearby when the explosion took place...We immediately ran to the spot and saw that one person who was a rag picker was lying by. The person sustained an injury on his right wrist. The sound of the explosion was very loud...Police immediately reached here and took the injured to the hospital...The traffic was blocked...No one else was injured”, an eyewitness said.

BJP Demands Thorough Investigation

Meanwhile, BJP Bengal Chief Sukanta Majumdar has urged Union Home Minister Amit Shah to initiate a thorough investigation into the blast incident in central Kolkata. 

 "The incident, which happened around 1:45 pm, has caused considerable alarm among citizens and requires immediate attention. According to the reports, the area was swiftly cordoned off by local authorities, and the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS) was dispatched to the site. While traffic in the vicinity has resumed following a preliminary inspection, the cause and nature of the explosion remain under forensic investigation. Given the seriousness of the incident and its potential implications for public safety, I respectfully request that the Ministry of Home Affairs initiate a thorough investigation to determine the cause of this explosion due to the local police's limited capacity to handle the situation comprehensively. In light of these developments, I urge you to consider a detailed investigation by the NIA or another central agency to ensure a thorough examination of all possible angles related to the incident. Swift action will help restore public confidence and ensure that those responsible for any malicious activities are brought to justice. Your attention to this matter is crucial in maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety of our citizens in West Bengal", Majumdar's letter read.