The accused linked to the Beldanga unrest case in Murshidabad district were not presented in a Kolkata court on Thursday. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) blamed the state police for the absence, citing a delay in receiving the case diary. As a result, the court ordered the accused to appear on February 12, with the state police’s investigating officer required to explain the situation in person.
The Superintendent of Police in Murshidabad has been instructed to provide a detailed report on the matter. Despite the Beldanga case being scheduled for a hearing in Kolkata, the accused, currently held in judicial custody in Murshidabad, could not attend. The NIA informed the court that the jail authorities failed to provide the necessary security and escort for the accused’s court appearance.
The NIA emphasized the importance of the case diary for the investigation to proceed smoothly. Consequently, the judge mandated the Superintendent of Police to submit a comprehensive report and demanded the investigating officer’s personal appearance in court. The accused are now required to be produced in court on February 12, with the police instructed to ensure their presence with adequate security measures.
Last month, Beldanga witnessed unrest following the death of a migrant worker from Murshidabad in Jharkhand. This incident led to protests and disruptions in the region, with 36 individuals, including an AIMIM leader, arrested in connection to the turmoil. The High Court suggested the involvement of the National Investigation Agency in the investigation, subsequently transferring the case to the central agency for further scrutiny.
