NIA Arrests Political Leader in West Bengal for Inciting Mob Violence Against Judicial Officers

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday arrested a local political leader in connection with violent protests and the illegal detention of judicial officers during a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in West Bengal's Malda district. The accused, identified as Sayem Chowdhary, also known as Babu Chowdhary, was taken into custody after being questioned at the NIA's branch office in Kolkata.

The SIR exercise, conducted ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, sparked widespread protests, including mob blockades and the seizure of judicial officers. The NIA, acting on directions from the Supreme Court, has registered over a dozen cases related to the violence that erupted on April 1, 2026. So far, 30 individuals have been arrested in connection with these incidents.

According to an NIA statement, Chowdhary played a key role in the illegal detention of judicial officers at the Block Development Office (BDO) in Malda's Mothbari area. He allegedly delivered a speech on March 31, 2026, inciting people to engage in violent protests. The agency said he conspired with other accused individuals and actively participated in unlawful assemblies that led to violence, intimidation, and obstruction during the SIR exercise.

During the protests, nine police personnel were injured while attempting to maintain law and order. The NIA is continuing its investigation to identify and track all individuals involved in pre-poll violence across West Bengal, as part of a broader probe into the conspiracy behind these incidents.

The Supreme Court had taken suo moto cognizance of the April 2026 violence in Malda, leading to the NIA's involvement. The agency has urged the public to provide any information regarding the case.