Calcutta High Court Accepts PIL for NIA Probe into Attack on BJP Leaders During Flood Relief

Kolkata:

The Calcutta High Court has granted permission for a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) requesting an NIA investigation into the alleged attack on two BJP leaders - MP Khagen Murmu and MLA Sankar Ghosh - while they were distributing flood relief in northern Bengal.

BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar stated to NDTV on Wednesday, "We are seeking a central agency-led investigation into this incident. The state should transfer the probe, but we anticipate they won't."

"Therefore, we must approach the court to secure a central agency investigation," he added.

Murmu and Ghosh were reportedly attacked by individuals allegedly affiliated with the ruling Trinamool Congress, according to Murmu's statement to NDTV. Their convoy, which included three additional BJP MPs and several state legislators, was pelted with stones in Nagrakata village in Bengal's Jalpaiguri district.

Footage shared following the incident showed Murmu with significant bleeding from his face and head.

Murmu, a prominent tribal leader, told NDTV that his attackers identified themselves as "didi's men," referencing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. "They assaulted us, pushed us, beat us, and threw stones at our vehicle," he recounted, pointing to injuries that doctors estimate will require two months to heal.

This incident has escalated tensions between the rival Trinamool Congress and BJP, particularly concerning with Assembly elections scheduled for next year. The BJP has strongly criticized Banerjee and her administration over the attack, accusing the government of failing to maintain law and order in West Bengal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the criticism on Wednesday, condemning "the absolutely pathetic law-and-order situation in the state" and stating, "The manner in which our colleagues were attacked in Bengal - for serving people affected by floods and landslides - is outright appalling."

Banerjee responded promptly, challenging the PM for making allegations without evidence: "In any democracy, the law must take its course, and only due process can determine culpability..."

Earlier that day, she had also called for restraint and unity.

The Chief Minister faces additional pressure from Governor CV Ananda Bose, the central government's representative in the state, who issued a 24-hour ultimatum to identify and arrest those responsible or face 'constitutional action,' potentially including President's Rule.

Four individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident thus far.