Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has handed over the investigation of the Malda case to the National Investigation Agency. The NIA team will reach West Bengal today. Yesterday, the Supreme Court had taken serious note of seven judicial officials engaged in an SIR exercise being taken hostage in the Malda district.
The court had termed it deplorable and sought responses from the state Home Secretary, Director General of Police, and other officials for their inaction. The apex court directed the Election Commission to order a probe by either the CBI or NIA and to immediately ensure security for judicial officers, including deployment of central forces if required.
The decision has been taken in compliance with the directive of the Supreme Court. They will submit their preliminary report to the apex court on 6th April.
Meanwhile, the Chief Election Commissioner has expressed strong displeasure and anguish over the law-and-order situation in the state following the incident in Malda, where judicial officers were intimidated and attacked. According to Commission sources, he delivered a stern warning to the state’s top administrative and police officials during an emergency virtual meeting yesterday.
The meeting, which lasted for several hours, was attended by the Chief Secretary, the DGP, the Chief Electoral Officer, the Commissioner of Kolkata Police, as well as all District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police. Mr Gyanesh Kumar made it clear that recurrences of such incidents will draw strict action against the responsible officials, stressing that mere transfers do not constitute punishment. He also questioned the role of the Malda District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, expressing strong dissatisfaction that no senior officials were present at the scene despite unrest continuing for hours. He further asked the state DGP why preventive measures had not been taken in advance.
In a related development, Mohammad Gulam Ali Ansari, Principal Secretary of the Urban Development Department, has been appointed Commissioner of the Malda Division. The Commission said that security will be withdrawn immediately from the leaders against whom non-bailable warrants are pending. At the same time, the Commission has ordered that the security of judicial officers be strengthened. If required, additional protection or safe shelters must also be arranged for them and their families, according to sources in the Chief Electoral Officer’s office.
