Kolkata-Siliguri : In a significant breakthrough in a high-profile post-poll violence case in West Bengal, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested proclaimed offender Shyamal Barman from Siliguri, West Bengal, in connection with the murder of Manik Maitra during the post-election violence that followed the 2021 Assembly elections.
According to the CBI, the accused had been absconding since the registration of the case and had consistently evaded investigation and judicial proceedings. Owing to his prolonged absconding status, the agency had announced a cash reward of ₹50,000 for information leading to his arrest.
Case Registered Following High Court Direction
The investigation stems from an order issued by the Calcutta High Court on August 27, 2021, directing the CBI to probe several incidents of alleged post-poll violence across West Bengal. Acting on the court’s directive, the agency took over FIR No. 104/2021, originally registered on May 5, 2021, at Sitalkuchi Police Station in Cooch Behar district.
The case pertains to the alleged murder of Manik Maitra, who was killed amid the violence that erupted in the aftermath of the state elections.
Extensive Investigation and Multiple Charge Sheets
Following a detailed investigation, the CBI filed its first charge sheet on September 27, 2021, naming six accused persons. Further investigation uncovered additional evidence and involvement of more individuals, leading the agency to submit supplementary charge sheets on April 26, 2022, and August 11, 2022, against 18 additional accused persons.
Investigators stated that while several accused cooperated with the legal process, Shyamal Barman remained untraceable and repeatedly avoided appearing before authorities.
Declared Proclaimed Offender
Due to his continued absence and non-cooperation with the investigation and trial process, the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate (ACJM), Mathabhanga, Cooch Behar, declared Shyamal Barman a Proclaimed Offender through an order issued on February 8, 2022.
The declaration enabled law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to locate and apprehend the accused.
Arrest in Siliguri
After sustained surveillance and intelligence gathering, CBI officials successfully tracked down and arrested the accused from Siliguri on June 18, 2026.
Following his arrest, Shyamal Barman was produced before the competent court in Siliguri. The court subsequently remanded him to judicial custody.
Investigation Continues
CBI officials indicated that the agency remains committed to ensuring accountability in all post-poll violence cases entrusted to it by the courts. The arrest of a long-absconding accused is being viewed as an important development in the ongoing effort to bring all individuals involved in politically motivated violence to justice.
The agency is expected to continue legal proceedings against the accused while pursuing the trial in the larger Manik Maitra murder case.
The case remains one of several sensitive post-poll violence investigations being monitored closely by judicial authorities and law enforcement agencies in West Bengal.
