Election Tensions Escalate in West Bengal
Amid rising political tensions in poll-bound West Bengal, the issue of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has triggered widespread controversy. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has repeatedly accused the Election Commission of bias, further intensifying the political atmosphere.
7 Judicial Officers Detained for Hours
The situation took a serious turn on Wednesday in Malda district’s Kaliachak-II block, where protests erupted over the alleged removal of names from voter lists. Demonstrators surrounded the Block Development Office (BDO) and detained seven judicial officers, including three women, for nearly nine hours starting around 3:30 PM.
Late-Night Rescue Operation
The detained officials were finally rescued around 1 AM after police and paramilitary forces intervened. During the rescue, protestors reportedly pelted stones at vehicles, damaging them. The incident raised serious concerns over the safety of judicial officers on duty.
Supreme Court’s Strong Reaction
Taking serious note of the incident, the Supreme Court of India strongly reprimanded the West Bengal government. Chief Justice Justice Surya Kant termed the incident a direct attack on the dignity of the judiciary and an attempt to undermine the legal system.
“This is not just intimidation but a direct challenge to the judiciary,” the bench observed, also comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi.
Questions Over Administrative Failure
The court questioned the delay in rescuing the officials and criticized the state administration for failing to ensure their safety. It remarked that such incidents weaken the morale of judicial officers and disrupt the rule of law.
CBI and NIA Probe Ordered
The Supreme Court directed the Election Commission to involve agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in the probe. These agencies have been asked to submit a preliminary report directly to the court.
Mamata Banerjee Responds
Reacting to the incident, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated that she was unaware of the situation at the time. She said law and order was under the Election Commission due to the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.
Political Reactions Intensify
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) strongly condemned the incident. Party leader Amit Malviya termed it a serious breakdown of law and order and criticized the administration for not acting promptly.