Bengal Violence-NIA Takes Charge of Probe Into Murshidabad Violence Linked to Migrant Worker’s Death

Kolkata:The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the investigation into the violent clashes that erupted in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district earlier this month following the death of a migrant worker from the state in neighbouring Jharkhand, official sources said on Saturday.

The central anti-terror agency assumed charge of the probe into the two-day violence in the Beldanga area even as Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to visit West Bengal later in the day. Sources said the timing of the development coincided with Shah’s planned engagements in the state.

According to officials, the NIA took over the case on a day when the Home Minister is set to hold workers’ meetings in Barrackpore and Siliguri, adding political significance to the move. The takeover indicates the seriousness with which the Centre is viewing the law-and-order situation arising out of the incident.

Violent protests had broken out in Beldanga on January 16 after news spread about the death of a migrant worker from West Bengal in Jharkhand. The unrest reportedly continued for two days, during which several areas witnessed clashes, damage to property, and heightened tension.

While the exact circumstances surrounding the migrant worker’s death are still under investigation, the incident triggered widespread anger and demonstrations in Murshidabad, prompting deployment of additional security forces to restore normalcy.

Sources said the NIA will now examine all aspects of the violence, including its possible wider ramifications, the role of organised groups, and whether there was any larger conspiracy behind the unrest. The agency is expected to coordinate with state police and central intelligence agencies as part of its investigation.

Further developments are awaited as the probe progresses and the Home Minister continues his visit to the state amid heightened political and security focus.