Supreme Court Boosts NIA Probe in Malda Judicial Hostage Case

The Supreme Court on Friday granted permission to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to file a charge sheet after its probe into the dramatic incident of April 1, where seven judicial officers, including three women, and a child were illegally detained by a mob in Malda, West Bengal.

The court took cognizance of a letter from the Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court detailing the alarming situation. The NIA, which was tasked with the investigation on the suggestion of the top court following a complaint by the Election Commission, has now been authorized to proceed with its findings.

Chief Justice Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi, noted the submission of the Additional Solicitor General S V Raju regarding the progress of the investigation. The NIA has been active in the inquiry, focusing on any political connections of the detained individuals as the court seeks a logical resolution to the case.

(With inputs from agencies.)