The Election Commission told the NIA DG through a letter, “…in this regard, I am directed to request that necessary inquiry/investigation into the matter be conducted and a preliminary investigation report be submitted directly to the Honorable Court as per the above instructions.” The Supreme Court on Thursday criticized the West Bengal administration for its “complete failure” and inaction over the “deplorable” siege and attack on seven judicial officers in Malda district during the voter list revision drive.The court directed that the incident be investigated by the CBI or NIA and also ordered the deployment of central forces in the state.The strong reaction came after reports that officials, including three women, were detained in Malda by a group of voters whose names were removed from the voter list.The court said it is up to the Mamata Banerjee-led state government to inform the Election Commission and sought deployment of central forces to ensure the security of judicial officers. It also allowed the Election Commission to request a CBI or NIA investigation into the incident.The incident occurred during the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists. Seven judicial officers, including three women, were surrounded by protesters and held hostage for several hours.Officials said the protest outside the Kaliachak II Block Development Office began when a group of people demanded a meeting with officials. After being denied entry, the mob started protesting around 4 pm and later blocked the premises, with the protests continuing till late night.After the incident, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee Accused Bharatiya Janata Party of trying to cancel West Bengal elections and impose President’s rule in the state.Addressing a rally in Sagardighi, he also criticized the Election Commission for failing to maintain law and order.Voting for the 294-member West Bengal Assembly will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, while counting of votes will take place on May 4.In the 2021 assembly elections held in eight phases, Trinamool Congress won 213 seats in a decisive victory over the BJP, which secured 77 seats. Congress and Left Front did not get any seats in that election.