Calcutta HC orders NIA to probe WB Ram Navami violence case

The Calcutta High Court handed over the investigation into the Ram Navami violence in Howrah and Dalkhola districts, as well as other parts of West Bengal, to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday.

A Bench led by acting Chief Justice TS Sivagnanam directed the State Police to turn over case papers to the Central Government so that the NIA could begin its investigation. Following the development, BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari referred to the Calcutta High Court as a “Guardian of the Constitution,” instilling public trust.

“The Guardian of the Constitution instilled confidence in the public once again by directing @NIA_India probe into the attacks and disturbances concerning the Ram Nabami processions in West Bengal.

“The Hon’ble High Court at Calcutta has once again pointed out the mischief of the State Government in their attempt to suppress facts for avoiding investigation by the NIA. I welcome the historic decision of the Hon’ble High Court at Calcutta. Let your faith be bigger than your fear,” Adhikari tweeted.

Previously, the Calcutta High Court found that the violence in the Howrah district during Ram Navami celebrations appeared to be pre-planned, and that West Bengal police failed to gather intelligence.