NIA Takes Over Probe Into Murshidabad’s Beldanga Violence | Exclusive

Last Updated:January 30, 2026, 23:00 IST

On January 16, Beldanga witnessed large-scale violence when a section of local residents blocked roads for several hours and set tyres on fire

Police and security personnel patrol railway tracks following protests over attacks on migrant workers, in the Beldanga area of West Bengal's Murshidabad district on January 17, 2026. (Image: PTI)

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the probe into the violent incidents that rocked Beldanga in Bengal’s Murshidabad district following the death of a migrant labourer.

It will be open to the Central government to take appropriate decision regarding conduct of investigation by invoking sub-section (5) of section 6 of the NIA Act, the court observed.

On January 16, Beldanga witnessed large-scale violence when a section of local residents blocked roads for several hours and set tyres on fire. The blockade continued throughout the day, during which a woman journalist on duty was assaulted. The situation remained tense the following day as similar protests erupted on January 17, and another journalist was attacked.

Although the agitation was initially projected as a protest over the death of a migrant worker, the investigation later revealed a more serious and organised provocation. Police found that a person had allegedly posted a provocative message on Facebook, calling upon people to set the local police station on fire after the prayers in connection with the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) issue.

Murshidabad District Police arrested the accused, identified as Soukat Ali Albeni, son of Haider Ali, a resident of Jalalpur under Beldanga Police Station, for inciting violence. He was apprehended from a concealed location following sustained investigation.

Police said that on January 15, 2026, the accused uploaded a provocative post from his Facebook account, which led to a large gathering in and around the Beldanga area. Subsequently, miscreants unlawfully blocked National Highway-12 (NH-12) and indulged in violent activities, severely disrupting public order and tranquillity.

Another accused, Motiur Rahman, who was seen in a related video, has also been arrested. So far, four cases have been registered in connection with the violence, and the total number of arrests has risen to 36. All the accused are currently in police custody and will be produced in court again on January 31.

While hearing matters related to the Beldanga violence, the court observed that the central forces deployed in the area must be effectively utilised to maintain law and order. The court also clarified that the decision on whether the case will formally remain with the NIA lies with the Central government.

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