Ranit Kr. Singh , Kolkata — The National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested influential former Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Shawkat Mollah from Kamalgazi near Kolkata during a midnight operation on Friday in connection with the Bhangar bomb blast case. Following the arrest, the atmosphere outside the NIA office in Newtown turned chaotic on Saturday morning as large crowds of political opponents and locals gathered to protest against the leader. The demonstration was fueled by the continuous playing of the viral song 'Maach Chor' (Fish Thief) on DJ sound systems, a track that originally gained fame during the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly Election 2026 for allegedly targeting Mollah's alleged financial misconduct. Anticipating significant unrest, a large contingent of central forces was deployed around the complex to maintain order and manage public anger.

The central investigative agency intensified its crackdown after declaring the former lawmaker an absconder when he evaded authorities during extensive day-long raids across multiple locations on Thursday. Investigative teams had systematically searched several addresses linked to Mollah, including his residence in Maukhali, locations spanning from Baruipur to Sonarpur, and his son’s business premises. The midnight dragnet also pushed into the Chunokhali area of Basanti before tracking down the fugitive politician, who had reportedly planned a riverine escape route toward the international border. As NIA officials finally escorted Mollah out of the Newtown facility on Saturday to produce him before the court, agitated demonstrators surrounded the vehicle, chanting slogans of "Chor Chor" and holding eggs to express their fury.

All statements regarding the investigation specify that the crude bomb explosion occurred on March 19 in Dakshin Bamunia village, resulting in one fatality and three critical injuries during illegal bomb manufacturing ahead of the state polls. Law enforcement officials confirmed that the case was officially transferred to the federal agency in April following directives from the Union Home Ministry. Family members stated that the NIA had previously served formal summons notices to the household, which went unheeded before the political leader went into hiding and switched off his mobile devices. Opposing political factions and local residents claimed that the viral 'Maach Chor' song accurately highlights the massive wealth Mollah allegedly accumulated by unlawfully draining resources and capturing local fisheries.