The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken a significant step by approaching the Kolkata High Court to challenge the FIRs and allegations leveled against its officials by the West Bengal police. Confirming this move, the anti-terror agency stated that the high court has granted permission for the filing of the petition.

In response to the FIRs filed against its personnel following the Bhupatinagar incident, the NIA has initiated legal action against the West Bengal police. The case is scheduled to be heard today, April 9, in the Kolkata High Court. The recent conflict arose when the West Bengal police registered multiple FIRs against the NIA, accusing its officials of trespassing and molestation.

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Justice Jay Sengupta has permitted the filing of the application and scheduled it for consideration during the post-recess session. The petition also includes a request for interim protection against any coercive measures by the state police targeting NIA officials.

The altercation unfolded when a team of NIA officials faced an attack in West Bengal’s East Midnapore district during a raid related to a 2002 bomb blast case. The assault occurred shortly after the arrest of two Trinamool Congress leaders linked to the aforementioned bombing, which resulted in three fatalities.

Following the incident, both the NIA and local villagers filed complaints, leading to the registration of FIRs. While the NIA lodged an FIR at Bhupatinagar alleging assault, another case was initiated against NIA officials based on accusations of theft and misconduct towards women.

This confrontation echoes a similar incident three months prior when villagers assaulted Enforcement Directorate (ED) officers during a raid on the residence of TMC leader Shajahan Sheikh. The ED officers were investigating an alleged ration scam at the time.

In response to the NIA’s legal action, the West Bengal police have issued a summons to the injured NIA official involved in the Bhupatinagar skirmish. Additionally, they have requested the damaged vehicle from the NIA for forensic examination, further intensifying the ongoing dispute.

A police officer elaborated, stating, “The NIA officer has been summoned to appear before our officer on April 11. We have also requested them to provide the vehicle damaged during the attack. We intend to conduct a forensic examination on it.”