NIA raises concerns to Calcutta HC: Bengal govt non-cooperative on Ram Navami violence information

The Bengal government has faced accusations of non-cooperation with a central agency in various cases, specifically related to the Ram Navami violence. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has approached the Calcutta High Court, claiming that the state government is withholding crucial documents and impeding the investigation process.

Justice Rajasekhar Mantha of the Calcutta High Court has granted permission to file the case, following a petition by the central agency. Earlier, Judge TS Sivaganam had assigned the responsibility of investigating the clashes during Ram Navami in Howrah and Risda Dalkhola to the NIA.

The Chief Justice's bench, in an order on April 27, had directed the state government to provide all information regarding the incidents of unrest to the NIA within two weeks. The state argued that the disturbances during Ram Navami fell under its jurisdiction, claiming the central agency had no role in the investigation.

Despite the state government's allegations of a conspiracy behind the violence, the Calcutta High Court has ordered an NIA probe. The agency alleges that the government is not cooperating and failing to provide necessary documents, hampering the progress of the investigation.

The Bengal government has challenged the NIA investigation order in the Supreme Court, but no ruling has been issued thus far. The case is scheduled to be heard during the summer vacation. Meanwhile, Justice Mantha has allowed the registration of the case based on the central agency's complaint, with a hearing expected on Wednesday.

The Ram Navami violence had caused significant unrest in various areas of Howrah and Hooghly. Governor CV Anand Bose visited the affected regions and called for strict action against those involved in the violence.

The BJP has criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's government, accusing it of adopting a policy of Muslim appeasement and remaining silent on violence perpetrated by other groups during Hindu festivals.