The Calcutta High Court has dismissed a petition filed by a BJP leader seeking a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the recent incidents of violence in Murshidabad district, West Bengal. The court ruled that there was no prima facie evidence to justify handing over the case to a central agency and expressed confidence in the state police’s ability to conduct a fair investigation.
The plea, filed by Samarendra Ghosh, a senior BJP functionary from the region, alleged that the violence was not merely a local law-and-order issue but part of a larger conspiracy that had national security implications. He demanded the intervention of the NIA, citing the alleged use of crude bombs, organized attacks, and links to extremist elements.
The Court’s Observations
Justice Tirthankar Ghosh, who presided over the matter, observed that while the court takes allegations of political violence seriously, there was no sufficient material evidence presented in the petition that warranted the involvement of the NIA, which is primarily tasked with probing terrorism and organized transnational crime.
“The court must tread with caution before directing an NIA probe. Such decisions must be based on solid preliminary evidence that suggests a threat to national security, and not merely political rivalry or allegations of state police inaction,” the judge stated in his order.
The High Court further noted that the West Bengal Police had already begun its investigation and several arrests had been made. It emphasized that the judiciary cannot direct a change in the investigating agency purely on the basis of political affiliations or suspicions unless due process proves the inadequacy of the current probe.
Background of the Murshidabad Violence
Murshidabad district has been a hotbed of political tension, particularly during and after elections. The latest bout of violence reportedly erupted earlier this month during a rally, with clashes breaking out between supporters of rival political parties. Several people were injured, and properties, including homes and shops, were allegedly vandalized.
The BJP alleged that its workers were targeted in a pre-planned attack supported by local elements with possible links to cross-border criminal networks. Murshidabad, which shares a porous border with Bangladesh, has occasionally figured in national security discourse due to reports of smuggling and illegal infiltration.
However, the West Bengal Police has maintained that the violence was triggered by local political disputes and there was no evidence so far of any cross-border involvement or larger terror links.
Political Reactions
The High Court’s verdict has triggered sharp reactions from both the ruling Trinamool Congress and the BJP.
Senior TMC leader Kunal Ghosh welcomed the decision, stating, “This is a clear signal that the BJP’s attempts to politicize local incidents and tarnish the image of the state government are being exposed. The judiciary has rightly upheld the capability of our police force.”
On the other hand, BJP spokesperson Samik Bhattacharya expressed disappointment, saying, “We respect the court’s decision but will explore legal options. The violence in Murshidabad was not isolated. We still believe a central probe is necessary to uncover the larger conspiracy.”
Legal and Administrative Next Steps
The court has directed the state government to ensure that the ongoing investigation is conducted in a transparent and time-bound manner. It also advised the police to provide updates to the victims’ families and ensure protection for witnesses.
Additionally, the High Court has stated that if, at any point, fresh evidence emerges pointing to a national or cross-border threat, the petitioners would be free to approach the court again.
The Calcutta High Court’s decision to deny an NIA probe into the Murshidabad violence underscores the judiciary’s caution in intervening in sensitive political matters without concrete evidence. While the verdict has intensified the political war of words in West Bengal, it also reinforces the principle that allegations must be substantiated by fact, not just political rhetoric. As the state police continue their probe, the spotlight remains on Murshidabad — not just for what happened, but for what it may reveal about the deeper fault lines in Bengal’s volatile political landscape.