Protest erupts in Malda over voter list deletions, NIA ordered to probe attack on judicial officers

Fresh protests erupted in West Bengal’s Malda district on Thursday, a day after seven judicial officers were held hostage by agitated protesters over alleged deletion of names from the voter list.

Demonstrations resumed in the Mangalbari area of Old Malda, with protesters alleging that their names were removed despite having valid documents. Parts of National Highway-12 were blocked again, with tyres burnt and roads barricaded.

Heavy police deployment, along with CAPF personnel, has been made to control the situation, while intelligence agencies have been put on alert. The unrest follows Wednesday’s major protest in Kaliachak, where judicial officers engaged in electoral roll revision were gheraoed for nearly nine hours before being rescued late at night.

Amid the escalating situation, the Election Commission of India has sought an investigation by the NIA into the attack on judicial officers. The move comes following directions from the Supreme Court of India, which took serious note of the incident, calling it a “brazen attempt” to intimidate the judiciary.

The apex court, acting suo motu, directed that the probe be handed over to an independent agency and sought a preliminary report. It also raised concerns over the alleged inaction of local authorities during the incident.

The judicial officers, including three women, were deputed for Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls when they were surrounded by protesters. Reports also suggest that their convoy faced an attempted attack even after rescue.

The situation remains tense in Malda, especially as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is scheduled to address a rally in the district. Meanwhile, political reactions have intensified, with opposition leaders alleging a larger conspiracy behind the violence.

The matter is expected to come up again before the Supreme Court on April 6, with authorities directed to submit compliance and investigation reports.

(This story was taken from syndicated feed and was only edited for style by Gujarat Samachar Digital team)