No objection to NIA probe in Egra blast case: Mamata Banerjee

The Bengal CM announced a compensation of Rs 2.5 lakh to the kin of the five deceased and one lakh each to the injured in the blast at the illegal cracker unit at Egra.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee addresses a press conference at Nabanna in Howrah, Monday, May 15, 2023. (PTI Photo)

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West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee Tuesday said she has no problem if the NIA probes the cracker unit blast incident in East Midnapur’s Egra.

During a press conference at Howrah’s Nabanna, Banerjee said: “Those who are demanding NIA investigation, I must say, I have no problem. NIA can investigate but they should book the real culprits.”

The Bengal CM added, “We have already started an investigation. A CID team led by ADG Gyanbant Singh has headed to Egra. They will start an investigation. The firecracker factory owner was arrested earlier but got bail from the court… We will take action against the IC of the Egra police station. He should have had proper information.”

She further said, “After getting bail from the court, the owner opened this factory near the Odisha border and sold firecrackers in Odisha and Bangladesh.”

Reacting to a protest by locals soon after the blast, Banerjee said: “This panchayat was recently grabbed by BJP by purchasing some independent panchayat members. The BJP was behind the protest against the police. But I must say during such an incident (blast), you should first help the police to send the injured to the hospital.”

She also announced a compensation of Rs 2.5 lakh to the kin of the five deceased and one lakh each to the injured.

At least five people were killed and seven injured in the blast at the illegal cracker unit. Police sources said the building that housed the illegal cracker factory was completely gutted in the blast.

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Local residents said they heard a sudden loud explosion from the factory in Egra’s Khadikul area. The impact of the explosion was such that dismembered bodies were found at a distance, they added.

Atri Mitra

Atri Mitra is a highly accomplished Special Correspondent for The Indian Express, bringing over 20 years of experience to his reporting. His work is characterized by deep regional knowledge and a focus on critical administrative and political developments, establishing strong Expertise and Authority in his domain. Experience Current Role: Special Correspondent, The Indian Express. Decades of Experience: Over two decades of extensive reporting experience, primarily covering administration and political news. Geographical Focus: Holds significant reporting experience from West Bengal, Bihar, and the North-East, providing a comprehensive understanding of the socio-political landscape in these regions. Key Coverage: Has dedicated more than ten years to covering administration and political news, with a keen focus on political developments in West Bengal. Electoral Reporting: Demonstrated a commitment to crucial political moments, having covered the 2009 Lok Sabha election and 2010 assembly elections during his time at Anandabazar Patrika, and the 2019 Bihar Lok Sabha election while working with News18-Bangla. Career Foundation: Began his career at the leading vernacular daily Anandabazar Patrika, where he worked for more than fifteen years, including a three-year stint as the Bihar correspondent. Education Advanced Degree: Holds a Master's degree in Economics from Rabindrabharati University, providing an analytical framework for his political and administrative reporting. Undergraduate Education: Holds a Bachelor's degree from Calcutta University. Prestigious Alumni: His educational background includes attending esteemed institutions: he is an alumnus of St. Xavier's, Kolkata and Ramakrishna Mission Asrama, Narendrapur. Atri Mitra's decades of dedicated reporting, substantial focus on political and administrative beats, and solid academic credentials make him a trusted and authoritative source for news and analysis from Eastern and North-Eastern India. ... Read More

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