Kolkata: A 26-year-old man from UP, in a relationship with a Madhyamgram girl, died in an IED blast near the girl's home close to Madhyamgram High School for Boys early on Monday.
Police said the blast occurred barely 10 metres from the school's main gate, under the flyover near Madhyamgram railway station. The impact shattered the glass panes of the school notice board.
The deceased, identified as Sachchidananda Mishra (26), a native of Basti in Uttar Pradesh, was rushed to Barasat Medical College and Hospital, where he died after some time.
Barasat SP Pratiksha Jharkharia said: "Preliminary investigation indicates that the blast was triggered by an electronic device carried in a bag by the deceased. His Instagram profile suggests he was in a relationship with a young woman from Madhyamgram.
"Sources said police are questioning the girl.
Eyewitnesses said the blast took place near a roadside iron bench. "Around 12.30 am, I saw a young man carrying a bag, looking restless. He asked me for the way to Madhyamgram Chowmatha. Around 1.30 am, we heard a deafening blast. When we reached the spot, the man was lying in a pool of blood. His right hand had been blown off," said local fruit seller Arup Pal.
Senior officers, including Barasat's Additional SP Atish Biswas and SDPO Vidyagar Ajinkya Anant, rushed to the site. Bomb disposal squad, forensic experts and an NIA team visited the spot.
Police said Mishra used to work at a glass factory in Haryana. His family, contacted by investigators, claimed they were unaware of his visit to the Bengal.
State food minister and Madhyamgram MLA Rathin Ghosh said the explosion was aimed at disturbing peace in Madhyamgram.