Bengal SIR / Dharmendra Pradhan Slams TMC Over Malda Incident, Calls It ‘Systemic Collapse’
·1 day ago·3 min read
Key Points
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan alleged a "systemic collapse" of governance in West Bengal after seven judicial officers were held hostage for over nine hours in Malda.
Kolkata/New Delhi, Apr 2: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) over the Malda incident, alleging a “systemic collapse” of governance under West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
In a strongly worded post, Pradhan said, “Malda is not an aberration -- it is a symptom of systemic collapse… Seven judicial officers held hostage for over nine hours… reflects a complete breakdown of state authority.” He also linked the episode to alleged violence and displacement in Malda–Murshidabad, calling accountability “direct and unavoidable.”
The Union Minister alleged that the incident exposed deep-rooted governance issues, accusing West Bengal government of allowing “politics of fear-mongering.” He further criticised what he described as contradictions in the state’s stance, saying the issue was initially termed “not political” before taking a political turn.
Pradhan claimed that West Bengal has become a hotspot for instability, asserting that the situation is being closely watched by the public.
Supreme Court Terms Incident ‘Deplorable’
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of India took suo motu cognisance of the incident and came down heavily on the West Bengal administration.
The court described the hostage situation involving seven judicial officers in Malda as a “deplorable” and “well-planned” attempt to intimidate the judiciary. It noted that the officers were confined for nearly 10 hours, denied basic necessities like food and water, and faced violence while being evacuated.
Central Forces, Probe Ordered
A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant directed the Election Commission to deploy central forces at all locations where judicial officers are handling electoral roll revisions.
The court also ordered that the probe into the April 1 incident be handed over to either the CBI or the NIA, and issued notices to top state officials, including the Chief Secretary and DGP, seeking explanations for the administrative failure.
Also Read: Dharmendra Pradhan Calls Vidya Bharti ‘Successful Reference Point’ in India’s Education System
Administrative Lapses Under Scrutiny
The apex court flagged serious lapses, noting that senior officials failed to respond despite urgent alerts. It termed the situation a “complete failure of civil and police administration” and warned that such actions could amount to criminal contempt.
The matter has been posted for further hearing on April 6, with the court stating it will closely monitor compliance and investigation progress.
In a strongly worded post, Pradhan said, “Malda is not an aberration -- it is a symptom of systemic collapse… Seven judicial officers held hostage for over nine hours… reflects a complete breakdown of state authority.” He also linked the episode to alleged violence and displacement in Malda–Murshidabad, calling accountability “direct and unavoidable.”
Pradhan Flags Law & Order BreakdownMalda is not an aberration—it is a symptom of systemic collapse under @MamataOfficial and @AITCOfficial.
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) April 2, 2026
Seven judicial officers held hostage for over nine hours, denied even food and water—this reflects a complete breakdown of state authority. Add to this the violence in…
The Union Minister alleged that the incident exposed deep-rooted governance issues, accusing West Bengal government of allowing “politics of fear-mongering.” He further criticised what he described as contradictions in the state’s stance, saying the issue was initially termed “not political” before taking a political turn.
Pradhan claimed that West Bengal has become a hotspot for instability, asserting that the situation is being closely watched by the public.
Supreme Court Terms Incident ‘Deplorable’
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of India took suo motu cognisance of the incident and came down heavily on the West Bengal administration.
The court described the hostage situation involving seven judicial officers in Malda as a “deplorable” and “well-planned” attempt to intimidate the judiciary. It noted that the officers were confined for nearly 10 hours, denied basic necessities like food and water, and faced violence while being evacuated.
Central Forces, Probe Ordered
A bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant directed the Election Commission to deploy central forces at all locations where judicial officers are handling electoral roll revisions.
The court also ordered that the probe into the April 1 incident be handed over to either the CBI or the NIA, and issued notices to top state officials, including the Chief Secretary and DGP, seeking explanations for the administrative failure.
Also Read: Dharmendra Pradhan Calls Vidya Bharti ‘Successful Reference Point’ in India’s Education System
Administrative Lapses Under Scrutiny
The apex court flagged serious lapses, noting that senior officials failed to respond despite urgent alerts. It termed the situation a “complete failure of civil and police administration” and warned that such actions could amount to criminal contempt.
The matter has been posted for further hearing on April 6, with the court stating it will closely monitor compliance and investigation progress.
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