A Kolkata court on Thursday directed the Superintendent of Police (SP), Murshidabad, to submit a detailed report in response to serious allegations made by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) regarding non-cooperation in the transfer of documents related to the Beldanga violence case.
Chief Judge Sukumar Ray of the City Sessions Court passed the direction after the NIA alleged that crucial papers and materials connected to the investigation into the January violence had not been handed over by the original Investigating Officer (IO) of the Beldanga police station. The case had recently been handed over to the NIA, which is now the central investigating authority.
Deputy Superintendent of Police, NIA, Saroj Bhattacharjee moved an application before the court asserting that despite the court’s direction on January 30, the IO had failed to furnish the case records to the agency’s chief investigating officer.
The court ordered the SP to personally submit a report detailing the reasons behind the non-compliance. Additionally, the IO of Beldanga police station has been directed to appear in person on the next hearing date, February 12, and also file a written explanation for the failure to transfer the investigation material.
In a related development, the court also reprimanded local police authorities after the 31 accused in the case could not be produced in court. The Murshidabad jail superintendent reported that no police escort or security had been provided to bring the accused to Kolkata for the hearing.
Taking note of this lapse, the judge directed the Murshidabad SP to ensure that appropriate escort arrangements are made for the production of all accused on the next date of hearing.
The violence in Beldanga erupted in the second week of January after the alleged death of a migrant worker from the region in Jharkhand. On January 16, protestors blocked National Highway 12 for nearly six hours. A female journalist covering the unrest was also reportedly assaulted during the demonstrations.
The following day, fresh incidents of road and rail blockades occurred, this time linked to the alleged manhandling of another migrant worker from the area in Bihar. The situation was brought under control later on January 17 after police deployed additional forces, conducted route marches, and asserted area dominance.
Police had arrested 31 individuals in connection with the unrest, and the case was subsequently taken over by the NIA due to its severity and cross-border implications.
The court’s directives mark a strong assertion of judicial oversight over investigative handovers, especially in sensitive matters involving national security and public order.
