The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has apprehended Sayem Chowdhary, a local political leader, in connection with incidents of violence during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise in Malda district, West Bengal. This development was confirmed by officials on Thursday, June 25, 2026. Chowdhary, also known by the alias Babu Chowdhary, was taken into custody at the NIA’s Kolkata office after undergoing questioning by the agency’s personnel.

Details of Allegations

The violence arose during protests when judicial officers were held illegally at the Block Development Office, with Chowdhary reportedly delivering inflammatory speeches in front of the office a day prior. The agency claims these speeches were intended to incite individuals to engage in violent actions against law enforcement. It is alleged that he conspired with other individuals to encourage criminal gatherings, contributing to violence, intimidation, and disruption during the SIR initiative, ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections.

In light of this arrest, it has been confirmed that the NIA has so far detained a total of 30 individuals in connection to this case. The agency is currently investigating over a dozen additional cases pertaining to mob protests and the illegal detention of judicial officials during the SIR exercise.

Supreme Court Involvement

The NIA’s investigation was initiated following directives from the Supreme Court, which took suo motu cognisance of the violence that erupted in Malda in April 2026. The court’s intervention underscores the serious nature of the reported incidents and the need for impartial investigations into the pre-election unrest.

The ongoing investigations aim to identify all parties involved in the various instances of pre-election violence across West Bengal. The NIA is keen to uncover the broader conspiracy behind these events, with the objective of ensuring accountability and maintaining order in the lead-up to the assembly elections.

The agency’s efforts reflect a commitment to uphold legal standards and manage politically charged situations that may threaten public safety and judicial proceedings. The investigations are expected to yield further details regarding the coordination and involvement of political elements in the incidents that transpired during the SIR exercise.

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