Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata

Kolkata, Apr 19: In a chilling development just a day after West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose visited the violence-hit Malda district, 17 mini and handmade socket bombs were recovered from a sugarcane field in Baishnabnagar, an area adjacent to Murshidabad, which recently witnessed intense communal clashes.

The plastic bag containing the explosive devices was discovered by local villagers, who promptly alerted the police. The area was immediately cordoned off, and a bomb disposal squad was deployed to safely defuse the bombs.

The discovery comes amid heightened tensions following last week’s communal unrest in Murshidabad, which broke out during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025. The violence forced many families to flee, with several now residing in relief camps set up in nearby Malda.

Incidentally, the Governor had visited one such camp in Baishnabnagar on Friday, meeting displaced families and assuring them of complete rehabilitation. “Several houses have been gutted. The displaced families will be returned only after full rehabilitation is arranged. I have come here personally to understand the ground situation,” Governor Bose told reporters during the visit.

What makes the situation even more concerning is that the spot where the bombs were found lies in close proximity to the Governor’s location during his visit, raising questions about the intent behind planting the explosives.

Police have yet to identify who was behind the act or what the motive may have been. However, sources familiar with the matter warned that had the bombs detonated, the impact could have been “quite alarming.”

Residents have demanded increased security and patrolling in the area, citing fears of further violence or attempts to escalate the fragile situation.

Investigations are underway to determine the origin of the bombs and whether the incident is linked to the recent communal flare-up.