New Delhi, April 7: The Supreme Court has directed the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to investigate an incident in Malda district, West Bengal. This follows reports that seven judicial officers, deployed for a Special Investigation Report (SIR), were allegedly held hostage for several hours at a BDO office in Kaliachowk.
A bench comprising Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi heard a petition filed after the incident on April 1. The bench emphasized the need for an independent investigation into the allegations against the state police, referencing an initial status report submitted in a sealed envelope.
Exercising its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution, the Supreme Court instructed the NIA to take over the investigation of all 12 FIRs filed by the West Bengal police related to this incident.
The bench, led by Chief Justice Chandrachud, noted the serious allegations against members of the state and local police. It stated, “Using our powers under Article 142, we direct that these FIRs be investigated by the NIA.”
The Supreme Court clarified that if the investigation uncovers a larger conspiracy or additional criminal activities, the central agency would be permitted to file further FIRs. The bench also mandated that the NIA periodically submit status reports to the Supreme Court and subsequently file its investigation report in the designated NIA court in Kolkata.
Additionally, the Supreme Court instructed the West Bengal police to hand over all case diaries, materials, and evidence collected thus far to the NIA and provide full logistical support for the investigation.
It is noteworthy that the Supreme Court had expressed serious concerns about this incident on April 2, describing it as an “open attempt” to intimidate the judiciary and a direct challenge to its authority.
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