NIA Cracks Down on Electoral Roll Protests in West Bengal

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended 15 individuals accused of involvement in last month's road blockades and illegal detention of judicial officers conducting electoral roll revisions in West Bengal, officials confirmed on Tuesday.

Under the directive of the Supreme Court, which responded to the Election Commission of India's concerns, the NIA swiftly took control of the investigation, executing extensive operations in the Malda district. According to the agency's statement, the arrests are linked to two distinct cases.

Among those arrested, 12 people, including main suspects Joshim Sk and Asmaul Sk, allegedly detained a female judicial officer for eight hours on April 1. Meanwhile, Alamgir Sk, Nurul Islam, and Habibur Rahman face charges relating to a blockade at Bagmara Bridge in Mothabari. The incidents coincided with protests over voter list alterations, leading to political tensions ahead of the Assembly elections. The NIA continues to probe for more suspects and any underlying conspiracies behind the organized disruptions.

(With inputs from agencies.)