NIA Court Grants Default Bail To 15 Accused In Beldanga Violence Case

A special court dealing with cases of the National Investigation Agency on Saturday ordered the release of 15 accused in the Beldanga violence case after the agency failed to file its chargesheet within the legally mandated timeframe.

The relief, known as default or statutory bail, applies to those whose custody exceeded 90 days without formal charges being submitted.

The court allowed their release with specific conditions. In total, 35 individuals had been arrested in connection with the case.

The unrest had erupted in Beldanga in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district earlier this year following the death of a migrant worker in Jharkhand. Anger spread locally when his body was brought back, leading to protests that soon escalated.

What began as protests, including road and rail blockades, later turned violent when police attempted to restore normal movement. Clashes broke out, and several people, including journalists, were injured during the confrontation.

Authorities in Jharkhand later cited postmortem findings. They said the death was a suicide. This contradicted allegations made during the protests.

The episode also triggered political reactions. Suvendu Adhikari, the leader of the opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, approached the Calcutta High Court seeking central intervention and an NIA probe.

The matter subsequently reached the Supreme Court of India. The court permitted the Centre to take a call on involving the agency.

The investigation was later handed over to the NIA.

Yusuf Pathan, Cricketer-turned-politician and the local Trinamool Congress Lok Sabha member, faced criticism over his absence during the disturbances.

The case remains under investigation, with further proceedings expected as authorities continue to examine the events surrounding the violence.