THE Election Commission on Sunday directed the police to launch a special drive to arrest those involved in illegal manufacturing of crude bombs in poll-bound West Bengal, and asserted that all cases related to the making of any such explosive would be probed by the National Investigation Agency, a senior poll official said. The directive came after the police recovered around 100 crude bombs from the house of a person, allegedly a TMC worker, at Bhangar in South 24 Parganas district, days ahead of the second and final phase of the Assembly polls in the State. The explosives were recovered during a search at the residence of Rafikul Islam following specific inputs, the official said. “The EC has asked the State police to undertake a special drive to arrest bomb makers.

 

The drive is being carried out. All cases related to bomb making will be investigated by NIA,” the poll official said. The poll panel also issued a warning to senior police officers across the State over any lapse in maintaining law and order before the April 29 polling. “A stern message has been issued to the Commissioner of Police, Kolkata, all DCPs, SPs and officers up to the rank of OC and IC that if any such explosive is found or threatening tactics are used by any person in their jurisdiction, the concerned officer will face action,” the Election Commission official told PTI.

 

Surveillance and area domination would be intensified in vulnerable pockets to ensure that voters can exercise their franchise without fear, he added. The first phase of the Assembly elections was held on April 23, while the second phase will take place on April 29. Votes will be counted on May 4. A record 93.19 per cent turnout has been recorded in the first round of polling.