Bengal police forms 9-member SIT to probe all cases linked to Murshidabad violence

In a significant development, the West Bengal state police has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the recent violent unrest in Murshidabad. The move comes after days of chaos and communal tension, particularly in areas like Suti and Dhulian. The SIT will be led by Shantanu Chowdhury, Additional Superintendent of Police (Intelligence Bureau), and will comprise nine senior officers from various state law enforcement wings.

The formation of the SIT follows a stern message from ADG (Law and Order) Javed Shamim, who stated that no one involved in the violence would be spared. In response, the authorities quickly constituted this high-level team to ensure an impartial and efficient investigation into all cases related to the riots.

The SIT includes three Deputy Superintendents of Police — Vijay Yadav (CIF), Kaushik Ghosh (CID), and additional supporting officers — and six Inspectors, including officers from CID, traffic headquarters, and the cyber unit of the Sundarban Police District. The team will now handle all FIRs, investigations, and intelligence assessments linked to the riots and associated crimes.

The unrest had escalated after the alleged murder of Hargobind Das and Chandan Das in Dhulian, prompting the initial formation of the investigation team with officers from the CID and STF. Since then, two arrests have been made in connection with the murders. The same special investigation unit will now extend its role to probe all aspects of the recent riots.

The situation in Murshidabad had turned volatile due to protests against the new Waqf Act, with mobs vandalizing shops, burning houses, and creating widespread panic among residents. While the situation has calmed in recent days, the government’s action reflects a serious commitment to justice and order.

Officials say this SIT includes officers from district-level police, the state police, Special Task Force (STF), Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and the Intelligence Bureau (IB). Their combined efforts are expected to bring clarity and closure to the complex and sensitive cases linked to the unrest.