EC hands over Kaliachak probe to NIA

Kolkata: The Election Commission on Thursday handed over the Kaliachak violence probe to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) even as it came down heavily on senior administration and police officials in Bengal over the alleged failure in handling the law and order situation on Wednesday. An NIA team is expected to reach Malda on Friday, a source said.The gherao of seven judicial officers in Kaliachak and the protests in Malda's Mothabari, Sujapur and adjoining areas erupted over the exclusion of names from poll rolls.Late on Thursday, the EC — citing the Supreme Court's orders — wrote to the NIA director-general "to request that the necessary inquiry/investigation into the matter be conducted" and a preliminary inquiry report be submitted directly to the apex court.The day began with Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar convening an emergency review meeting following the SC's orders. While Bengal chief secretary Dushyant Nariala, who was summoned to Delhi, attended it virtually, the others present included DGP Siddh Nath Gupta, ADG (law and order) Ajay Mukund Ranade, Kolkata Police commissioner Ajay Nand, all DMs, who are also District Election Officers, and all SPs.Sources said Malda DM Rajanvir Singh Kapur neither rushed to the troubled areas nor maintained communication over the phone and was reportedly unavailable at his official residence during the protests.Malda superintendent of police Anupam Singh was questioned over his absence from the spot during the protests. In his response, the SP said the additional SP was sent to handle the situation. CEC Kumar expressed strong displeasure, remarking that in that case, "he should then be made the SP".The EC issued a sharp rebuke, saying that the "dereliction of duty" by the Malda DM and SP had tarnished the commission's image.The CEC also reportedly reprimanded DGP Gupta, stating that despite being a senior officer, he failed to control the situation and maintain law and order. Such lapses were unacceptable from a senior officer, the DGP was told.Kolkata Police chief Nand was similarly criticised, with the CEC remarking that an IPS officer should be capable of handling the city without requiring further "training", a source said. Kumar questioned why prompt action was not taken at the outset and how unrest continued for two days outside the Bengal CEO's office. He also sought an explanation on how large gatherings were allowed to assemble.