EC transfers Malda violence probe involving judicial officers to NIA after SC's directive

The decision follows a directive from the apex court ordering a probe by a central agency into the incident.

In a letter dated April 2, the poll body instructed the NIA to initiate an inquiry into the events that unfolded during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

Officials confirmed that an NIA team is expected to reach the state to begin its investigation.

Apex court raps state administration

The Supreme Court issued strong observations while directing the probe, describing West Bengal as the “most polarised state” and criticising the administration’s response to the incident.

The court termed the situation a “complete failure” of governance and highlighted the seriousness of the attack on judicial officers.

It stated that the gherao represented a direct attempt to intimidate officials and amounted to a challenge to judicial authority.

The court acted after taking suo motu cognisance of a communication from the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court, which detailed the circumstances faced by the officers.

Judicial officers held hostages for hours

The incident took place in the Kaliachowk area of Malda during the Special Intensive Revision exercise.

Seven judicial officers, including three women, and a five-year-old child were surrounded by a group described as anti-social elements at Kalichak II BDO office at Mothabari.

The group confined the officers for more than nine hours, beginning in the afternoon and continuing until late at night.

Reports indicated that those held inside were denied food and water during the period of confinement.

Security forces eventually intervened and rescued the officers around midnight.

The protest reportedly stemmed from allegations of names being removed from electoral rolls.

EC directs CAPF deployment

Alongside ordering an investigation, the Supreme Court directed the Election Commission to ensure adequate deployment of central security forces.

The forces will be stationed at locations where judicial officers are adjudicating objections related to electoral roll revisions.

The court emphasised the need to guarantee the safety of officials involved in the electoral process.

The directive comes as West Bengal prepares for a two-phase polling schedule later in April.

In its communication, the Election Commission instructed the NIA to conduct a detailed inquiry and submit a preliminary report directly to the Supreme Court.