The Calcutta High Court has taken a stern stance regarding the recent volatility and unrest in Beldanga, Murshidabad. On Tuesday, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Parthasarathi Sen ordered the immediate deployment of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) to restore normalcy and safeguard the lives and livelihoods of the public.

Court Orders Immediate Deployment of Central Forces

The court directed that the five companies of central forces currently stationed in Murshidabad be utilized in the sensitive areas of Beldanga. The Chief Justice further suggested that if the current strength is insufficient, the state government should apply to the Centre for additional reinforcements.

Allegations of Pre-planned Conspiracy

During the proceedings, the petitioner alleged that the unrest in Beldanga was a pre-planned conspiracy. Instances of serious misconduct were cited, including the blocking of national highways, destruction of railway property, and physical assaults on on-duty journalists. The petitioner’s counsel argued that despite central forces being available in the district, the state administration failed to deploy them in a timely manner. In response, the court clarified that central forces must be used for patrolling to ensure continued peace.

State Claims Situation Under Control

Representing the state, advocate Kalyan Banerjee explained that the tension originated last Friday following the death of an individual in Jharkhand. However, he maintained that the police acted swiftly, resulting in the arrest of 31 individuals so far. The state claimed that the situation is now under control, with local markets reopening and daily life returning to normal.

NIA Investigation and the Road Ahead

A significant aspect of the case was the demand for a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The petitioner contended that an NIA investigation is necessary to determine if there is any international conspiracy or foreign funding behind the violence. Addressing this, the court ruled that the Central Government holds full autonomy to decide whether the gravity of the situation warrants an NIA investigation. By issuing these directives, the court emphasized that the primary responsibility of the administration is to ensure the absolute safety of its citizens.

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