NIA Arrests Two More in Malda Violence Cases Linked to Electoral Roll Revision

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two more individuals in connection with multiple cases arising from violence and protests during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in West Bengal's Malda district, officials said on Thursday.

The accused, identified as Maulana Imran Ali and Rinku SK , were apprehended following searches conducted by NIA teams investigating allegations of road blockades, illegal detention of judicial officers, attacks on police personnel, and disruption of law and order during the SIR exercise held in April.

According to the agency, the two men actively participated in unlawful assemblies that allegedly resorted to violence, intimidation, and obstruction of officials carrying out electoral duties. Investigators also found that they were part of mobs that attacked police personnel deployed during the protests, resulting in injuries to several officers. In one incident, a police bus driver suffered grievous injuries after being struck on the head with a stone, causing him to lose control of the vehicle.

The NIA has registered 12 cases related to the Malda unrest and has already filed chargesheets in four of them. A total of 35 accused are currently in judicial custody , while investigations continue.

The probe was taken up by the NIA following directions from the Supreme Court , reflecting the increasing use of national security agencies and special investigative mechanisms in handling politically sensitive unrest that involves allegations of violence against public officials, obstruction of state functions, and threats to public order. Such cases are often investigated under stringent legal provisions to ensure coordinated prosecution and accountability.

The agency said efforts are continuing to identify additional suspects and uncover any larger conspiracy behind the violence.