Harshvardhan Singh

Unprecedented developments in West Bengal. The Kaliachak-II BDO office was under siege. North Bengal and South Bengal were effectively cut off, with protesters blocking NH-12. Seven judicial officers, including three women, were trapped inside. The situation had spiralled out of control. A communication from those on the ground paints a grim picture: Seven judicial officers remained physically confined inside the BDO office at Kaliachak-II, which had been surrounded and gheraoed by a large mob. The local security detail described the situation outside as highly volatile. Not only was the office exit blocked, but multiple road blockades were also reported on all routes, making any movement extremely dangerous. Following instructions from the District Judge, the officers stayed together and avoided individual movement to minimise risk. However, the situation continued to deteriorate. There was an urgent need for immediate intervention by the district and police administration. Adequate security reinforcements had to be deployed to ensure the safe evacuation of all officers. Law and order cannot be allowed to collapse like this. Update: All judicial officers have been evacuated. They are on their way to their place of stay. The blockade continues.