BJP to apprise PM about Bengal blast

Pressing for an NIA probe into the Pingla blast that claimed 12 lives, the BJP on Friday said it would raise the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his two-day visit to the state beginning Saturday.

Charging the ruling Trinamool Congress with patronising terrorists in the state, Bharatiya Janata Party state unit president Rahul Sinha demanded that the probe be handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

"Terrorists enjoying patronage of the Trinamool Congress are extending their base in Bengal. We will apprise the prime minister about the situation of the state," said Sinha.

While police have been asserting that Wednesday's explosion at Brahmanbar village in Pingla area of West Midnapore district took place in a cracker manufacturing unit, Sinha claimed the factory was actually used for making bombs.

"Bombs manufactured here were distributed not only across the country but even to foreign shores. And all this was being done under the instructions of the Trinamool and with the collusion of police.

"This is a grave matter concerning national security and the chief minister should immediately refer the matter to the NIA," added Sinha.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday ordered the Criminal Investigation Department to probe the matter but the opposition parties have been clamouring for a NIA probe claiming the incident was a terror act.