New Delhi: A court has sought a detailed response from the Superintendent of Police of Murshidabad after the National Investigation Agency alleged lack of cooperation from the West Bengal Police in a case related to Beldanga Police Station. The development has once again brought attention to coordination issues between central and state law enforcement agencies.
In its submission before the court, the investigation agency stated that local police officials had not handed over important case records and seized articles despite earlier judicial directions. The matter pertains to a case registered at Beldanga Police Station in January 2026, which has now been formally taken over by the national agency. According to the application, the delay in transferring documents and materials was affecting the progress of the investigation.
The agency also informed the court that the accused persons in the case were not produced on the scheduled date. A report from the Berhampore Central Correctional Home stated that 31 undertrial prisoners could not be brought to court because police escort was not available. The court recorded that the absence of escort arrangements by the local police had directly resulted in the non production of the accused.
Taking note of these issues, the court issued a series of directions to ensure compliance. The Superintendent of Police of Murshidabad has been asked to personally submit a report explaining the allegations of non cooperation. The Superintendent of the correctional home has been instructed to ensure that all accused persons are produced before the court on 12 February 2026 without fail.
The court further directed the district police chief to make adequate escort arrangements for the next hearing. The Investigating Officer of Beldanga Police Station has been ordered to appear in person and explain in writing why earlier court instructions were not followed. The Officer in Charge of the police station has also been told to formally communicate these directions for immediate action.
Officials familiar with the matter indicated that a legal challenge related to the case is pending before the Supreme Court and that further steps will depend on judicial orders. The next hearing has been fixed for 12 February 2026, when the court is expected to review compliance reports.
Relations between central investigative agencies and the West Bengal Police have remained tense in recent years, with several cases witnessing similar disagreements over jurisdiction and procedure. The present matter has added another chapter to that continuing friction, placing the focus once again on the need for smoother coordination in sensitive investigations.
