Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata
Kolkata, Apr 9: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has approached the court seeking custody of 47 individuals arrested in connection with the Kaliachak unrest, according to a senior official from the central agency.
So far, around 12 First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered in relation to the incident. Initially, the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s court in Malda district remanded the accused to police custody. Subsequently, 46 of them were sent to judicial custody. The NIA has now moved to take custody of the accused to advance its investigation.
Officials stated that those arrested face a range of serious charges under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, including attempted murder, unlawful confinement, unlawful assembly, assault on government personnel during the clearing of illegal gatherings, obstruction of public servants, and defiance of official orders.
Additional allegations include causing injuries, physically attacking government staff, damaging public property, issuing threats, blocking a national highway for extended periods, and organizing illegal road blockades.
The unrest stemmed from protests over alleged omissions from the voter list in parts of West Bengal, particularly in areas such as Mothabari, Sujapur, and Kaliachak in Malda district. During the agitation, a crowd reportedly confined seven officials engaged in Summary Revision work at the Kaliachak-II block office until late at night.
The issue eventually reached the Supreme Court, which expressed dissatisfaction with the state police’s handling of the matter and suggested that the investigation be handed over to a central agency such as the CBI or NIA. Acting on this, the Election Commission transferred the probe to the NIA.
The incident has also sparked political reactions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while campaigning in West Bengal, criticized the ruling Trinamool Congress, accusing it of fostering a climate of fear and misleading the public about the Summary Revision process. He also remarked that illegal infiltrators have no place in the state.
In response, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee blamed the Election Commission for the deteriorating situation, noting that law and order falls under its authority during the election period. She further alleged that the large-scale transfer of police and administrative officials following the poll announcement contributed to the breakdown in order.