NIA Takes Over Investigation of Malda Incident Involving Judicial Officers
Election Commission Hands Over Malda Case To Anti-Terror Agency NIA
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The Election Commission of India has transferred the investigation of the hostage situation involving seven judicial officers in Malda district, West Bengal, to the National Investigating Agency (NIA) following a Supreme Court directive. The court condemned the West Bengal administration for its failure to protect the officers during the electoral process.
- 01The Supreme Court ordered the NIA to investigate the gherao incident involving judicial officers in Malda.
- 02The incident occurred during a Special Intensive Revision exercise of the voters list.
- 03Judicial officers were held hostage for over nine hours by protesters.
- 04The court criticized the West Bengal administration for its inaction and failure to ensure safety.
- 05West Bengal is set to hold elections in two phases on April 23 and 29.
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The Election Commission of India has handed over the investigation into the gherao of seven judicial officers in Malda district, West Bengal, to the National Investigating Agency (NIA) following a directive from the Supreme Court. The court described West Bengal as the 'most polarised state' and criticized the state administration for its failure to protect the officers during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voters list. The officers, including three women and a five-year-old child, were held hostage for over nine hours by protesters in the Kaliachowk area, allegedly due to disputes over the deletion of names from the electoral rolls. The Supreme Court's order came after it took suo motu cognizance of a letter from the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court detailing the incident. The NIA is expected to arrive in West Bengal to begin the investigation, as the state prepares for elections on April 23 and 29.
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The transfer of the investigation to the NIA may lead to a more thorough inquiry into the incident, potentially affecting the safety and security of judicial officers and the electoral process in West Bengal.
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