NIA Takes Over Probe Into Kaliachak Violence—Key Accused Arrested

Malda, April 4: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the probe into the April 1 violence in Kaliachak, West Bengal, and deployed a 24-member inter-state team led by Inspector General Sonia Singh to investigate the incident.

The Election Commission handed the case to the NIA on April 3, criticising the state administration and police for lapses in handling the law-and-order situation.

Violence erupted in Kaliachak’s Mothabari area after protests over alleged deletion of voter names escalated into clashes, vandalism, and road blockades across parts of Malda district.

A mob surrounded and held seven judicial officers hostage inside the Kaliachak-II Block Development Office for several hours before security forces rescued them.

Police arrested multiple individuals in connection with the incident, including alleged mastermind Mofakkerul Islam, a lawyer and former electoral candidate, who was detained while attempting to flee.

Authorities have confirmed that at least 35 people have been arrested so far, and more suspects are being identified through video footage and local intelligence.

NIA officials have begun ground-level investigation by visiting Kaliachak and Mothabari police stations, questioning those already in custody, and recording statements from officers deployed during the violence.

Investigators are examining whether the incident formed part of a larger, organised conspiracy, as the scale and coordination of the unrest raised serious concerns.

The incident has triggered a political confrontation, with major parties trading allegations over the alleged links of the accused and responsibility for the violence.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged calm and warned against targeting judicial institutions, while also alleging a broader conspiracy behind the unrest.

Security forces, including central agencies, remain deployed in sensitive areas of Malda to prevent further escalation and restore normalcy.

The NIA is expected to submit a report on its findings as the investigation continues under close national scrutiny.