NIA Launches Comprehensive Probe into Beldanga Violence Linked to Migrant Worker's Death
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has initiated a thorough investigation into the violent incidents that erupted in Beldanga, Murshidabad district, following the tragic death of a migrant worker in Jharkhand earlier this month. An eight-member specialized team from the central agency arrived in the region on Saturday to conduct an on-ground assessment and gather crucial evidence.
On-Site Investigation and Evidence Collection
The NIA team commenced their probe by visiting key locations, including the Beldanga police station and the Superintendent of Police office in Murshidabad. During these visits, investigators engaged with local officials who were previously handling the case and collected relevant documents to understand the sequence of events. The team also visited the Berhampore court, where the accused individuals were produced, and formally notified the court about their intention to seek custody of those arrested.
In a significant development, the investigators visited the actual incident site along the national highway where the violence occurred. They attempted to create a detailed sketch map of Baruamore area in Beldanga and conducted interviews with local residents to gather firsthand accounts of the disturbances.
Focus on Organized Conspiracy and Provocation
According to NIA officials familiar with the investigation, the primary focus of the probe is to determine whether the violence resulted from:
- Organized conspiracy by specific groups or individuals
- Spread of fake or misleading information through various channels
- Deliberate provocation aimed at stoking communal tensions
The agency has also consulted with the cyber department to examine digital evidence and communication patterns that might have contributed to the escalation of violence.
Background of the Beldanga Violence
The tension in Beldanga and surrounding areas began on January 16 when news spread about the unnatural death of a migrant worker from the region at his shelter in Jharkhand. The situation became increasingly volatile when reports emerged about another assault on a migrant worker from the same area in Bihar, leading to widespread unrest across the region.
During the peak of the disturbances, protesters blocked National Highway-12 and railway tracks at Beldanga, severely disrupting both road and rail traffic. Authorities arrested 35 individuals in connection with the violence and related incidents.
Judicial Intervention and Legal Framework
The Calcutta High Court expressed serious concern about the recurring violence in Murshidabad district during a hearing on January 20. Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen directed the state government to deploy central forces to prevent further incidents and consider intelligence inputs carefully. The bench specifically noted that "according to the NIA Act, it is open for the Central Government to order for NIA investigation."
Following this judicial observation and based on directions from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the central government decided to transfer the investigation to the NIA. The agency subsequently registered a fresh case under multiple legal provisions, including:
- UAPA Sections 16(1) and 16(2) dealing with terrorist acts and assisting unlawful activities
- West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order Act provisions related to public safety and preventing subversive activities
- National Highway 8B Act concerning mischief on national highways
- Various sections of the BNS (Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita)
The comprehensive investigation aims to uncover the complete truth behind the Beldanga violence and ensure appropriate legal action against those responsible for the disturbances that affected the region.
