In a swift response to the Supreme Court’s dissatisfaction over the Kaliachak violence, a high-powered 15-member NIA team landed in Kolkata early Friday morning. Comprising veteran officers from Delhi and Mumbai, this is the largest special team formed by the agency since the Khagragarh blast case. Led by an SP-rank officer, the squad includes several DSPs and Inspectors handpicked by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Investigation on Fast Track: Under heavy central force security, the team will visit Malda today to inspect the BDO office and record statements from seven judicial officers who were stranded during the unrest. The agency is on a tight deadline and is scheduled to submit its comprehensive report by April 6.

Arrest Before NIA Arrival: Adding to the drama, CID and State Police arrested MIM leader Mofakkerul Islam from Bagdogra Airport this morning. Islam, who was allegedly seen inciting a crowd in a viral video, was trying to flee when he was intercepted. With the NIA stepping in, the investigation into the Kaliachak incident has now reached a national flashpoint.