Judicial Officers Resume Duties After Terrifying Eight-Hour Siege in Malda
In a harrowing incident that underscores severe administrative lapses, seven judicial officers who were violently gheraoed at Kaliachak in Malda district on Wednesday afternoon have returned to work. The siege, which lasted until midnight, forced them to resume their duties on Thursday from a secure guesthouse located 32 kilometers away, under the protection of central forces, rather than the original Kaliachak-II BDO office where the attack occurred.
Protests Turn Violent as Villagers Demand Justice
The turmoil began on Wednesday afternoon when villagers gathered at the BDO office to protest the deletion of their names during an adjudication process. They repeatedly demanded to speak with the judges, alleging that their names had been removed arbitrarily without any valid reason. However, the judicial officers, adhering strictly to Supreme Court guidelines, refused to engage in public interactions, as their role was limited to conducting the adjudication as an executive function.
A woman judicial officer, who was among those trapped, revealed chilling details of the ordeal. She stated that the national highway in front of the BDO office was completely blocked by agitators, and the local police took no measures to disperse the crowd. "It was a nightmare... I thank God that we are still alive. It was a failure of the administration and our safety protocols were completely ignored," she expressed, highlighting the grave negligence.
Administrative Failure and Delayed Rescue Efforts
The officer detailed how the gherao persisted for over eight hours, with the administration allowing the mob to swell unchecked. Despite repeated requests for help, there was no speedy action. "We contacted the CEO, DM, and SP, but no respite came for hours. We were not even allowed to have food or water," she recounted. The police, perhaps fearing potential bloodshed if they opened fire, opted to wait, exacerbating the officers' distress.
Relief finally arrived only after Calcutta High Court Chief Justice Sujoy Paul summoned the Director General of Police (DGP) and the home secretary to his residence around midnight. This intervention prompted the police to act, leading to a rescue operation that was met with further violence. As the officers were being led out, their vehicles were attacked with stones and bamboo sticks, leaving one car vandalized and the officers deeply unnerved.
Physical and Emotional Toll on the Officers
The traumatic experience took a significant toll on the judicial officers. The woman officer described reaching home well past 12:30 AM, feeling dizzy and on the verge of fainting from palpitations. "I was so strained that even after returning home, I could not eat or sleep. I was just thinking that if something happened to me, who would take care of my children?" she shared, underscoring the personal fears that haunted her during the crisis.
In the aftermath, all seven officers have firmly conveyed their refusal to return to the Kaliachak-II BDO office, citing the violent attacks and the complete breakdown of safety measures. They are now performing their duties from a guesthouse under heightened security, a move that reflects the ongoing concerns about their safety in the region.
Broader Implications for Judicial and Administrative Systems
This incident raises serious questions about the protection of judicial personnel and the responsiveness of local administrations in West Bengal. The officers' adherence to Supreme Court directives, which prohibit public interaction during adjudication, was met with violent resistance, highlighting a disconnect between judicial processes and public understanding.
The failure to act promptly by the police and administrative authorities has been criticized as a glaring oversight, potentially endangering lives. As the officers continue their work under central force protection, this case serves as a stark reminder of the need for robust safety protocols and swift administrative action to uphold the rule of law and protect those serving in judicial capacities.
