NIA Steps In: Unraveling the Malda Gherao Protest

An NIA team visited Mothabari and Kaliachak police stations in Malda to investigate the gherao of seven judicial officers by locals protesting the deletion of names in the SIR exercise. Following a directive from the Supreme Court, the Election Commission enlisted the NIA's help. Arrests have been made.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) descended upon Malda's Mothabari and Kaliachak police stations on Thursday, delving into the gherao incident involving seven judicial officers. The protest erupted over the deletion of names in the SIR exercise, prompting the Supreme Court to intervene and direct the Election Commission to involve the NIA.

Led by a Deputy Inspector General (DIG), the 24-member federal probe team gathered evidence and spoke to police personnel. The inquiry zeroed in on locations where a crowd had allegedly hurled bricks at vehicles, challenging efforts to lift the blockade. Additionally, the team visited Kaliachak police station, where parts of National Highway 12 were disrupted by demonstrators.

As the investigation unfolds, 19 cases have been registered, and two more suspects, including the protest's alleged mastermind, were arrested in Siliguri. These latest apprehensions raise the total number of arrests to 35, highlighting escalating tensions in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)