The Supreme Court has directed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to take over the investigation of an incident in West Bengal’s Malda district. This incident involved seven judicial officers who were reportedly held hostage for several hours at a BDO office in Kaliachowk during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The Court’s decision came after serious allegations against the state police, prompting the need for an independent investigation.
Invoking its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution, the apex court instructed the NIA to handle the investigation of all 12 FIRs registered by the West Bengal Police in connection with the incident. The Central agency is authorized to register additional FIRs if a wider conspiracy or more offenses are uncovered during the probe. The Supreme Court emphasized that the NIA must submit periodic status reports and eventually file its investigation report before the designated NIA court in Kolkata.
The Court also mandated that the West Bengal Police transfer all case diaries, materials, and evidence collected to the NIA. Additionally, the state police are required to provide full logistical support to facilitate the investigation. This development follows the Supreme Court’s strong reaction to the incident on April 2, where it condemned the actions as a direct challenge to judicial authority and a threat to the judiciary’s independence.
