Election Commission Hands Over Malda Judicial Officers Gherao Investigation to NIA
In a significant development, the Election Commission of India on Thursday officially transferred the probe into the gherao and attack on judicial officers in West Bengal's Malda district to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). This decision follows severe criticism from the Supreme Court regarding the state administration's failure to address the incident.
Supreme Court Directs Probe and Central Forces Deployment
The Supreme Court on Thursday lambasted the West Bengal government for its "complete failure" and inaction over what it termed a "deplorable" incident. The court specifically directed that the investigation be conducted by either the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or the NIA. Additionally, it ordered the deployment of central forces in the state to ensure security during the electoral process.
The court emphasized that it was the responsibility of the Mamata Banerjee-led state government to inform the Election Commission and seek central forces for the protection of judicial officers. It also granted the Election Commission the authority to request a probe by either agency into the matter.
Details of the Incident During Special Intensive Revision
The incident occurred during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in Malda. Seven judicial officers, including three women, were surrounded and held hostage for several hours by a group of protesters. Officials reported that the protest began outside the Kaliachak II Block Development Office when individuals demanded a meeting with the officers.
After being denied entry, the crowd initiated demonstrations around 4:00 PM, eventually blocking the premises. The protest continued late into the night, causing significant disruption and raising concerns about law and order in the poll-bound state.
Election Commission's Formal Request to NIA
A spokesperson for the Election Commission confirmed that an NIA team is expected to arrive in West Bengal on Friday to commence the investigation. In a formal letter to the NIA Director General, the EC stated, "...In this regard, I am directed to request that the necessary inquiry/investigation into the matter be conducted and a preliminary inquiry report be submitted directly to the Hon'ble court as per the above directions."
The protest reportedly involved voters whose names had been removed from the electoral rolls, highlighting tensions during the revision drive. This has sparked broader discussions about electoral integrity and safety measures.
Political Reactions and Electoral Context
Following the incident, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to engineer the cancellation of the state polls and impose President's rule. At a rally in Sagardighi, she criticized the Election Commission for failing to maintain law and order, adding a political dimension to the controversy.
Voting for the 294-member West Bengal Assembly is scheduled in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with vote counting set for May 4. In the 2021 Assembly elections, which were held in eight phases, the Trinamool Congress secured a decisive victory with 213 seats, while the BJP won 77 seats. The Congress and the Left Front did not win any seats in that election.
This probe transfer underscores the heightened scrutiny on electoral processes in West Bengal, with the NIA now tasked with uncovering the facts behind the gherao incident to ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences.
