National Investigation Agency (NIA) has launched a comprehensive probe into the Malda’s Mothabari incident, in which seven judicial officials engaged in the work of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter list process were held captive for over nine hours, deploying multiple teams to investigate different aspects of the case simultaneously. According to the central agency sources, the NIA team has divided its officials into three separate groups to examine the incident from administrative, operational, and ground-level perspectives.
One team visited the local Block Development Officer (BDO) office to collect administrative records and relevant data, while another team reached the Mothabari Police Station to scrutinise police documents and preliminary reports. A third team conducted an on-site inspection to assess the situation firsthand and reconstruct the sequence of events that led to the incident. Investigators are also examining how the situation escalated and whether there were any lapses on the part of the administration or law enforcement.
Sources indicate that the role of social media is under particular scrutiny. Preliminary findings suggest that provocative posts and comments circulated from multiple accounts may have played a significant role in escalating tensions. Efforts are now underway to identify these accounts, trace their origins, and determine any possible links or motives. Officials have also indicated that cyber experts may be brought in to assist with this aspect of the investigation.
Meanwhile, the conduct of the police on the day of the incident has come under the scanner. NIA officials remained at the Mothabari Police Station until late Friday night, holding detailed discussions with officers until around midnight. Investigators are trying to ascertain whether the police had any prior intelligence regarding the gathering near the BDO’s office. In the absence of such information, questions are being raised about possible intelligence failures.
If prior intelligence was available, the agency is seeking explanations regarding the delay in police response. Investigators are also examining whether adequate forces were deployed in the area and, if so, why the situation could not be brought under control in time.
Officials have begun recording statements from police personnel who were on duty during the incident to build a clearer and more comprehensive understanding of events. A detailed case diary is also being maintained, documenting ground-level inputs, local information, and the roles played by key individuals.
In addition, the process of collecting CCTV footage from the surrounding areas has commenced. Investigators believe that this material could provide crucial leads, including insights into crowd movement, timelines, and the sequence of developments leading up to the incident.
The multi-pronged investigation is expected to shed further light on the underlying causes of the Mothabari incident and identify those responsible. As the probe progresses, authorities anticipate greater clarity on both the chain of events and any lapses that may have contributed to the situation.
The NIA swung into action after the charge of the probe into the incident was handed over by the Election Commission following the Supreme Court’s stern stance.
Follow us
