Tensions flared in Malda’s Kaliachak-2 block as seven judicial officers involved in the SIR (Special Inquiry) process were allegedly held hostage for hours at the BDO office. The officers, including three women, were conducting a verification process regarding the voter list when a mob surrounded the premises.

The protest began on Wednesday afternoon when locals alleged that their names were wrongfully excluded from the voter list during the adjudication process. After being denied immediate access to the judicial officials, the crowd gheraoed the entire BDO office from 4 PM, leaving the officials trapped inside until midnight when a police team finally rescued them.

The Chief Electoral Officer’s (CEO) office has taken a stern view of the incident, seeking an immediate report from the West Bengal Director General of Police (DGP). According to Supreme Court guidelines, these officers were reviewing the names marked ‘under adjudication’ in the voter list published on February 28. The Election Commission has expressed strong displeasure over the lapse in security for judicial staff on election duty.