Was justice served? Court clears three in NIA bomb case against Trinamool MLA
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Insufficient evidence led to acquittal.
- Crude bomb attack occurred in 2021.
- Investigation was initially by CID.
- NIA failed to provide credible proof.
- Questions raised about security during the attack.
Kolkata, Sep 24 (NationPress) A local court on Wednesday declared three individuals innocent who had been detained by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for their alleged involvement in the bomb attack targeting Trinamool Congress MLA and former West Bengal minister Jakir Hossain. The Bankshall Court found the three defendants not guilty due to insufficient evidence against them.
In 2021, Jakir Hossain, who previously served as the state labor minister, along with his supporters, sustained injuries when assailants threw crude bombs at them at Nimtita railway station in Murshidabad district.
At the time, Hossain was about to board a train to Kolkata for a meeting organized by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee when the attack occurred.
Post-attack, Hossain and his injured aides were promptly transported to Jangipur sub-divisional hospital for medical assistance.
He was later transferred to SSKM Hospital in Kolkata for further treatment, remaining in critical condition for several days.
Eventually, his health improved, and he was discharged, having suffered a significant injury to one of his hands.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) initiated an inquiry into the incident. Subsequently, the NIA took over the investigation at the direction of the Central government.
Three suspects, identified as Isha Khan, Abu Samad, and Saidul Islam, were detained in relation to the event, and a charge sheet was filed against them.
During the court proceedings on Wednesday, it became apparent that the NIA was unable to provide robust evidence against the individuals in custody.
None of the accused were identified, and no explosives were discovered in their possession.
Furthermore, the NIA could not establish whether the former minister was traveling in or intended to travel on the Teesta-Torsa Express.
The court also questioned why none of Jakir Hossain's twelve security personnel were injured during the incident.
As a result of the hearing, the court acquitted all three detained individuals due to the lack of adequate evidence.