In a significant development concerning the recent disturbances in Beldanga, Kolkata police officials have confirmed the arrest of five additional individuals, elevating the total number of detentions to thirty-six. The arrested persons have been identified as Noor Alam, Robiul Islam, Noor Alam Molla, Ladim Sheikh, and Tufail Sheikh.
Identification Through Digital Evidence
Superintendent of Police Kumar Sunny Raj disclosed that the suspects were pinpointed through meticulous analysis of CCTV footage and videos disseminated across various social media platforms. Notably, some of this evidence included live broadcasts on Facebook, which played a crucial role in the investigative process.
Legal Proceedings and Custody Arrangements
All five individuals were presented before the court on Tuesday, where legal proceedings determined their custody status. Three of the accused have been remanded in police custody for further interrogation, while the remaining two have been placed in judicial custody, awaiting trial.
Coordinated Police Raids and Cybercrime Efforts
The arrests followed coordinated raids conducted on Monday by the district police in collaboration with the Murshidabad cybercrime division. Investigators revealed that two of the accused were identified from live Facebook streams, and three others were traced through videos uploaded on their personal social media accounts. The cybercrime division has amassed an extensive collection of over 1,600 video clips to aid in the ongoing investigation.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Actions
SP Raj emphasized that the identification and arrest process is set to continue, with authorities probing whether the violence involved any elements of planned provocation. Additional SP Majid Iqbal reinforced this stance, asserting that all individuals involved in the unrest will be systematically traced and subjected to stringent legal action.
Return to Normalcy in Affected Areas
Since Sunday, Beldanga and parts of Rejinagar have experienced a return to calm, with shops and markets reopening on Monday. By Tuesday, normal movement had resumed in these areas. However, police deployment, route marches, and regular patrols continue to ensure sustained peace and security.
