ASI critical after crude bomb attack on police raid in Bengal's Murshidabad
Synopsis
A police team raiding an illegal gambling den in Murshidabad, West Bengal, was met with a barrage of crude bombs — leaving ASI Sadiq Ali in a critical condition and raising alarm about organised criminal networks capable of arming themselves against law enforcement in rural Bengal.
Key Takeaways
ASI Sadiq Ali of Salar Police Station is in serious condition after crude bombs were hurled at his raiding party on the night of 13 September 2026 .
The attack occurred during a raid on an illegal gambling den in Kharera village , Murshidabad district , West Bengal.
Several other officers sustained minor injuries; the attackers fled immediately after the assault.
Ali was transferred from Salar Rural Hospital to Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital as his condition worsened.
Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel have been deployed in the area; CCTV footage is being examined to identify the perpetrators.
No arrests have been made so far; investigators are also tracing the source of the explosives used.
An Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) is in a serious condition after suspected miscreants hurled crude bombs at a police team raiding an illegal gambling den in Kharera village, Murshidabad district, West Bengal, on the night of Sunday, 13 September 2026. The attack, which police described as swift and co-ordinated, has triggered a large security deployment and an ongoing manhunt.
How the Attack Unfolded
A police team led by ASI Sadiq Ali of Salar Police Station moved on the gambling den late Sunday night following a tip-off. According to police, the moment the accused spotted the raiding party, they responded with a volley of crude bombs in quick succession. ASI Ali sustained serious injuries; several other officers suffered minor wounds.
Witnesses said the explosions shattered the night and sent villagers into panic. The attackers reportedly fled the scene immediately after the assault.
Condition of the Injured Officer
ASI Sadiq Ali was first rushed to Salar Rural Hospital. As his condition deteriorated, he was transferred to Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital, where he remains under treatment. Police sources describe his condition as serious.
Security Deployment and Investigation
Additional police forces and personnel of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) were swiftly deployed in and around Kharera village to restore order. Tension has prevailed in the area since the incident.
A senior officer of the Murshidabad Police District confirmed that CCTV footage from nearby locations is being examined to identify the attackers and map their movements. 'It is being investigated whether an organised gang was operating in the area and was behind the attack on the police team. The investigation is underway,' the officer said.
No arrests have been made so far, though several suspects have been detained for questioning. Investigators are also working to trace the source of the explosives allegedly used in the assault and to establish the full scope of the illegal gambling operation.
What Happens Next
With no arrests confirmed as of Monday, 14 September 2026, investigators face pressure to identify the perpetrators before witnesses disperse and evidence degrades. The case raises pointed questions about the presence of organised criminal networks in the district capable of mounting an armed response against law enforcement. A credible breakthrough is expected to hinge on CCTV analysis and the questioning of detained suspects.
Point of View
And this incident fits a pattern where illicit operations are shielded by organised muscle. The absence of arrests, despite multiple detained suspects, also raises questions about whether intelligence on the ground is keeping pace with the networks it is meant to monitor. For West Bengal's administration, the optics of a critically injured ASI and no arrests is not a comfortable position to hold for long.
NationPress
14 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during the Murshidabad police raid on 13 September 2026?
A police team led by ASI Sadiq Ali raided an illegal gambling den in Kharera village, Murshidabad, West Bengal, late on Sunday night. Suspects hurled crude bombs at the raiding party, leaving ASI Ali critically injured and several other officers with minor wounds.
What is the condition of ASI Sadiq Ali?
ASI Sadiq Ali is in a serious condition. He was initially treated at Salar Rural Hospital before being transferred to Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital as his condition worsened, where he remains under treatment.
Have any arrests been made in connection with the bomb attack?
No arrests have been confirmed as of 14 September 2026. Several suspects have been detained for questioning, and investigators are examining CCTV footage to identify the attackers and trace the source of the explosives.
What security measures have been taken after the attack?
Additional police forces and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel have been deployed in and around Kharera village to maintain law and order. Authorities are also investigating whether an organised gang was behind both the gambling operation and the attack.
Why is this incident significant for West Bengal?
The attack signals that illegal gambling networks in Murshidabad may be armed and organised enough to mount an aggressive response against law enforcement. It raises broader concerns about the scale of criminal operations in the district and the availability of crude explosives among non-state actors.
