ECI holds urgent meet after SC orders Malda violence probe
The Statesman | 3 April 2026
The Election Commission of India held an urgent virtual meeting with West Bengal’s top administrative and police officials on Thursday following directions from the Supreme Court of India to ensure an independent probe into the Malda violence.
The meeting focused on the apex court’s order asking the Commission to consider an investigation by an independent agency such as the Central Bureau of Investigation or the National Investigation Agency.
Discussions also covered the prevailing law and order situation in the state and steps needed to comply with the court’s directives.
According to sources, the meeting was attended by West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer Manoj Agarwal, Chief Secretary Dushmanta Nariala, Director General of Police Siddhinath Gupta, ADG (Law and Order) Ajay Mukund Ranade, Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand, along with district election officers and superintendents of police from across the state.
The developments come a day after widespread unrest in Malda’s Mothabari, Sujapur and adjoining areas over the alleged deletion of names from the voter list.
Seven judges engaged in the SIR (Special Intensive Revision) process were reportedly confined inside the Kaliachak-II block office till late at night.
The matter was brought to the notice of the Supreme Court by the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court, Sujay Paul, prompting a hearing earlier in the day by a bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant.
During the hearing, the apex court strongly reprimanded the state administration for failing to ensure the safety of judicial officers.
The apex court directed the ECI to provide adequate security to judges involved in the SIR process, not only at their workplaces but also at their residences.
The court further instructed that, in case of security threats, protection should be extended to their families as well.
Amid reports of fresh clashes in parts of the state on Thursday, the Commission’s meeting is expected to review the situation in detail and chalk out measures to implement the Supreme Court’s directives, including decisions on the proposed independent investigation.