Hostage Row In Bengal Over 7 Judicial Officers

Seven judicial officers stayed hostage for more than nine hours in West Bengal’s Malda district after angry voters protested against the removal of their names from the electoral roll during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.

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Hostage Crisis Erupts In Malda Over Voter List Deletion

The incident happened in Malda’s Kaliachak area on Tuesday afternoon. Protesters surrounded seven judicial officers, including three women, after many residents found that officials had removed their names from the voter list.

The officers had visited the area to complete the voter list verification process before the West Bengal Assembly elections on April 23 and April 29. However, the situation became tense when a large crowd gathered and started protesting.

As the anger increased, protesters stopped the officers from leaving and kept them hostage for more than nine hours. Later, police and paramilitary personnel reached the area around 1 am and rescued the officers safely.

Reports also said that some protesters tried to attack the convoy during the rescue operation. Several videos showed broken window glass on one vehicle, while others showed protesters throwing stones at police vehicles.

Hostage Incident Triggers Political Blame Game

The hostage incident quickly sparked a political controversy in West Bengal. The Election Commission reportedly asked the Director General of West Bengal Police to submit a detailed report on the matter.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar blamed the ruling Trinamool Congress for increasing tension around the SIR process. He claimed that provocative remarks from party leaders encouraged people to oppose the Election Commission.

He also said that officials are carrying out the Special Intensive Revision process across India, but only West Bengal has witnessed such violent protests. According to him, the ruling party and the state administration have tried to disrupt the process from the beginning.

On the other hand, Kunal Ghosh said that the Election Commission should ensure the safety of judicial officers during the model code of conduct period. He also said that his party does not support violence or any attempt to break the law.

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