The Election Commission of India has assigned the investigation of the harassment of seven judicial officers in Kaliachak, Malda district, to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). This decision follows a strong condemnation by the Supreme Court, labeling the incident as a sign of law and order breakdown in West Bengal. The Supreme Court had given the choice of CBI or NIA to probe the matter, leaving the final decision to the ECI.
The CBI is set to present its initial findings to the Supreme Court by April 6. In response to the incident, the apex court has issued notices to several West Bengal officials, seeking explanations to avoid contempt proceedings. The judicial officers, including women, were held captive by voters in Kaliachak, prompting a police rescue operation lasting nine hours.
Reports indicate that even during the officers’ transfer to safety, there was an attempt to attack the convoy. Opposition leaders in West Bengal have alleged a pre-planned nature to the Kaliachak events, suggesting broader conspiracies involving border demographics and security threats in the region.
