Malda

The District Magistrate of Malda has issued a show-cause notice to Additional District Magistrate (Law and Order) Shaikh Ansar Ahmad over alleged lapses during the gherao of seven judicial officers in Kaliachak on April 1.

According to the notice dated April 4, the officer has been accused of failing to adequately inform senior authorities about the seriousness of the situation as it unfolded. The administration stated that despite being in active contact with local officials, including the Sub-Divisional Officer and the Block Development Officer, he could not claim ignorance of the developments on the ground.

The notice highlighted a critical five-hour window—from 3:30 PM to 8:30 PM—during which no substantive updates were relayed to higher authorities. This lack of communication, it said, significantly hampered the administration’s ability to respond promptly and take preventive or corrective action.

The District Magistrate has asked Ahmad to submit a written explanation detailing why the situation was not escalated in time, what steps he took to manage the crisis, and any additional factors he believes are relevant.

The controversy stems from an incident on April 1 when seven judicial officers, including three women, were surrounded by a crowd in Malda district, triggering widespread concern.

The case has since drawn national attention, with a team from the National Investigation Agency visiting the district on April 4. Officials inspected the office of the Superintendent of Police as well as the Block Development Officer’s office in Kaliachak as part of their probe.

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The incident has also sparked a political confrontation in the state, with both the Bharatiya Janata Party and the All India Trinamool Congress trading allegations ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.