NIA begins probe into Beldanga violence as the National Investigation Agency started its investigation into the recent unrest in Murshidabad district of West Bengal. The violence erupted in Beldanga following reports of the death of a migrant worker in Jharkhand earlier this month. NIA begins probe into Beldanga violence after the Centre transferred the case to the central agency.
On Saturday, an NIA team reached the Beldanga police station and interacted with local officers handling the case. The team collected documents, records, and other details linked to the incidents. The Ministry of Home Affairs directed the agency to register a fresh case and take over the probe.
An NIA official said the investigation will focus on identifying the root cause of the violence. Moreover, the agency will examine whether any organised conspiracy existed. It will also look into the spread of fake or misleading information and deliberate attempts to provoke communal tension.
Tension had flared in Beldanga and nearby areas on January 16 after news spread about the unnatural death of a migrant worker from the region in Jharkhand. Soon after, reports of another attack on a migrant worker in Bihar further escalated the situation.
As a result, protests broke out across the area. Demonstrators blocked National Highway-12 and railway tracks, which disrupted road and rail traffic for several hours. The situation remained volatile for nearly two days.
Earlier, the West Bengal Police arrested 35 people in connection with the violence. Meanwhile, a special NIA court has ordered the State police to hand over all case-related documents without delay.
