NIA Investigates West Bengal Judicial Officer Gherao After Supreme Court Criticism

Malda, West Bengal – The Election Commission of India (ECI) has transferred the investigation into the gherao of judicial officers in Malda district to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), following criticism from the Supreme Court regarding the “complete failure” of the West Bengal administration to protect the officers. The incident occurred during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists.

According to reports, seven judicial officers, including three women, were surrounded and held “hostage” for several hours by protesters whose names had been removed from the electoral rolls. The ECI has requested a preliminary report from the NIA, and a team is expected to arrive in the state on Friday to begin the probe.

The Supreme Court strongly condemned the incident, observing that the Mamata Banerjee-led state government should have informed the Election Commission and requested the deployment of central forces to ensure the safety of the judicial officers. The court directed the deployment of central forces in the state and permitted the ECI to request either a CBI or NIA investigation.

Supreme Court Criticism

The Supreme Court’s response came after reports detailed the “deplorable” gherao and attack on the officers at the Kaliachak II Block Development Office. The court emphasized the importance of protecting judicial officers carrying out their duties during the electoral process.

“It was incumbent upon the Mamata Banerjee-led state government to inform the Election Commission and seek the deployment of central forces to ensure the safety of the judicial officers,” the court stated, as reported by The Times of India.

ECI Action and NIA Involvement

The ECI, in a letter to the NIA Director General, formally requested an inquiry into the matter. The agency is expected to submit a preliminary report to the court as directed. This move underscores the seriousness with which the ECI is treating the incident and its commitment to ensuring a free and fair election process.

The incident occurred during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists, a crucial process aimed at ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the electoral rolls before the upcoming elections. The gherao has raised concerns about the safety and security of election officials and the potential for disruption of the electoral process.

Background on the Gherao

Protesters reportedly surrounded the officers after demanding a meeting to discuss the removal of their names from the voter lists. The situation escalated, leading to the officers being detained for several hours. Details regarding the specific grievances of the protesters and the reasons for the removal of their names remain under investigation.

The deployment of central forces is intended to provide additional security to election officials and maintain law and order during the revision of voter lists and the subsequent election phases. The NIA investigation will focus on identifying the perpetrators of the gherao and determining whether any criminal conspiracy was involved.