Suspicious Object Picked By Ragpicker Explodes In Kolkata, Injures Him; Bengal BJP Demands Probe

A ragpicker sustained injuries after an object that he had picked up exploded in Kolkata on Saturday, a police officer said. The blast occurred when he was “near a plastic bag” at the crossing of Blochmann Street and SN Banerjee Road.

“The injured person was identified as 58-year-old Bapi Das, who lives on a footpath beside S N Banerjee Road. He is a ragpicker,” the officer said. He suffered injuries in his right wrist and is being treated at the Nil Ratan Sircar Medical College and Hospital.

“The area was cordoned off and a bomb disposal squad reached the place. They checked the bag and the vicinity,” he added.

West Bengal BJP President Sukanta Majumdar has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah requesting a thorough investigation into the blast incident in Central Kolkata.

“I urge you to consider a detailed investigation by the NIA or another central agency to ensure a thorough examination of all possible angles related to the incident,” the letter read.

The explosion comes amid ongoing protests in the city against the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Earlier this week on Thursday, an unattended, suspicious bag was found at the empty agitation site of the junior doctors near RG Kar MCH.