Blast Rocks TMC Panchayat Member’s House in West Bengal’s Birbhum District

Birbhum (WB): A powerful explosion occurred at the residence of Sheikh Shafiq, a Trinamool Congress (TMC) panchayat member, in Birbhum district, West Bengal. The incident, which took place on Monday afternoon, resulted in significant damage to the house. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties. Authorities suspect the use of locally-made explosives, commonly known as “desi bombs,” as the cause of the blast. The police have initiated an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

This incident follows a similar explosion at an illegal firecracker factory in West Bengal’s East Midnapore district on May 16. Tragically, nine individuals lost their lives, while nine others were injured and received medical treatment. The case is currently under investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). The West Bengal government has announced a compensation of Rs 2.5 lakh for the families of the deceased.

The firecracker factory had previously been subject to a raid, resulting in legal action against its owner. Despite the crackdown, the factory continued its operations, leading to the devastating explosion. The CID has arrested two suspects connected to the incident. The main accused, Krishnapada Bag, also known as Bhanu Bag and a former TMC Panchayat member, was present at the scene of the accident before the explosion occurred. Unfortunately, Bag succumbed to his injuries and passed away while receiving treatment in Cuttack, Odisha, where he had fled after the blast.