New Delhi, April 2 -- The Election Commission of India has handed over the case involving protests in Malda, West Bengal, where judicial officers involved in Special Intensive Revision (SIR) work were reportedly held hostage, to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The move comes in accordance with the Supreme Court of India's instructions issued on 2 April.

"I am directed to request that the necessary inquiry/investigation into the matter be conducted, and a preliminary inquiry report be submitted to the Hon'ble court as per directions," Sujeet Kumar Mishra, Secretary, ECI, wrote to DG, NIA.

A team of NIA is expected to visit West Bengal on Friday, the poll panel said.

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court took a serious note of p...