NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Home Affairs has handed over the Burdwan terror blast investigation to the NIA. According to MHA officials, the unilateral decision was taken by it in the interest of national security, as the terrorists involved in the incident are allegedly linked to international terror outfits.
“We have received a report from the West Bengal Government regarding the Burdwan blast and after examining the report and discussion over certain issues, it was decided that the NIA will probe the case. A notification has already been issued,” the officials added.
The sources also confirmed that with two terrorists -- Shakil Ahmed and Sovan Manda -- killed while making improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Khagragarh last Thursday, had shipped some IEDs to Assam. The two suspects have been picked up by the state police for further interrogation. “It appears that the cache of IEDs, explosives and rocket launchers were meant for domestic use and not for Bangladesh. More details and chain of terrorists will emerge only after interrogation,” the sources said.
An almost complete Rocket Launcher and sophisticated circuit boards to detonate the IEDs were part of the terrorist’s ammunition that was destroyed by West Bengal State Police. The state police did not charge accused under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), which comes under Schedule Offence, covering terror related offence. The UAPA provision was added in the FIR only on Wednesday, making it a fit case to be investigated by the NIA.
According to the MHA officials, allegations of terror act, organising terror training camps, terror financing and harbouring terrorists falls within the NIA jurisdiction. Officials said if the Central government was of the opinion that a Scheduled Offence had been committed, it may, suo motu, direct the NIA to investigate the said offence.