Mamata Banerjee alleges conspiracy in bomb attack on Jakir Hossain, BJP demands CBI probe

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday (February 18) said the bomb attack on state labour minister Jakir Hossain was part of a “conspiracy”. She alleged that some people pressurized Jakir to switch over to another political party ahead of Bengal polls.

After visiting the SSKM Hospital to meet Jakir Hossain, Mamata Banerjee said, “It was a planned attack on minister Jakir Hossain. It is a conspiracy. Some people were pressuring Jakir Hossain to join them for the last few months. I don’t want to disclose anything more as investigation is on.”

Denying the allegations of Mamata Banerjee, Bengal BJP chief Dilip Ghosh said, “Jakir could be a victim of infighting in the TMC prior to the upcoming assembly polls. Murshidabad has become a hub for criminals.”
 

Dilip Ghosh demanded a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation. Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar also demanded an investigation by the National Investigation Agency.

The CM said a total of 26 people were injured in the blast. The Bengal government has handed over the probe in the case to the CID.

Mamata Banerjee announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for those seriously injured in the explosion and Rs one lakh for people who received minor injuries.