BJP, Trinamool Congress spar over NIA probe into Beldanga violence

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday (February 20, 2026) accused the Trinamool Congress-led West Bengal government of opposing and hindering a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the riots that took place at Beldanga last month, while the ruling party dismissed the BJP’s charge alleging that central agencies often make such claims despite receiving cooperation.

West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharjee claimed the resistance faced by the CBI and the ED in other cases, including those related to murders and rape, would also be faced by the NIA. “Here, there is no government at all,” he charged.

In a post on X, the State BJP claimed the government was opposing the NIA investigation into the violence in Beldanga and had reportedly refused to transfer case-related documents to the central agency.

‘Sensitive border areas’

The party further alleged that districts such as Malda and Murshidabad are sensitive border areas and accused the ruling dispensation of pursuing policies that could affect internal security.

Responding to the allegations, Trinamool Congress spokesperson Jay Prakash Majumdar claimed central agencies frequently level such allegations despite being provided all necessary details. “Everyone knows the success of these agencies,” he said in a mocking tone.

The violence at Beldanga in Murshidabad district was triggered on January 16 after the death of a local migrant worker in neighbouring Jharkhand, which sparked protests and unrest, including the blocking of National Highway-12 and railway tracks and incidents of vandalism and clashes with police.

The NIA took over the investigation from the State police following orders from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and filed a case.

Protesters on January 16 blocked NH-12 for six hours over the alleged death of a Beldanga-resident migrant worker in Jharkhand.

On January 17 morning, road and rail blockades took place over the alleged heckling of a Murshidabad-resident migrant worker in Bihar.

West Bengal will go to the polls in a few months with both parties gearing up to win over the electorate.