Speaking to ANI, Yadav highlighted that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the case to ensure central control and enhanced safety for officials involved.

“The Malda case involving violence against a judicial officer has been handed over to the NIA, which will ensure central control and greater safety. Right now, even election work in the state is faltering, but I believe this won’t last long. In the coming polls, the public will decide, and a government that disregards law and the Constitution will be removed,” he said. Local leaders, including ministers, have demanded arrests, describing the incident as unfortunate and calling Bengal a ‘jungle raj’ where criminals dominate and ordinary citizens feel unsafe.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar on April 2 assigned the investigation of the Malda incident to the NIA following a Supreme Court order. On April 1, seven judicial officers, including three women, were held hostage by villagers in Malda district. The NIA team was scheduled to arrive in West Bengal on April 3 to begin the probe.

The Election Commission of India, referencing the Supreme Court’s directive, instructed the NIA to report its preliminary inquiry directly to the Supreme Court, with the next hearing set for April 6, 2026, during which concerned officials are expected to participate virtually.

Earlier, the Supreme Court characterised the Malda incident as a brazen and deliberate attempt to obstruct the administration of justice. A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant expressed concern over the State authorities’ failure to provide prompt protection despite prior warning, leaving the judicial officers without food or water for hours.

The court issued show-cause notices to senior State officials, including the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, and Director-General of Police, requiring explanations for their inaction. It ordered the Election Commission to deploy adequate central forces to safeguard judicial officers and ensure the smooth conduct of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) adjudication process.

The bench mandated strict security measures at all venues, restricted public entry, instructed immediate threat assessments for officers and their families, and requested compliance reports. Senior officials were directed to attend the next hearing virtually.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) described the Malda incident as “shocking” and alleged a breakdown of law and order. BJP spokesperson Majumdar questioned whether provocation by Mamata Banerjee’s party contributed to the situation, urging the Election Commission of India to investigate the matter, including the citizenship status of those removed from voter lists.

The standoff began following mass deletions from electoral rolls during the ongoing SIR process. The incident sparked widespread protests in Malda, with road blockades on national and state highways and key rural routes across at least five Assembly constituencies.

This event occurs amid heightened political tensions in West Bengal as parties prepare for the state Assembly elections, scheduled in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with counting on May 4. In the 2021 Assembly elections held in eight phases, the Trinamool Congress achieved a landslide victory with 213 seats, while the BJP secured 77 seats. The Congress and Left Front failed to win any seats in that election.