The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) today arrests a key person wanted in a brutal rape case linked to widespread violence after the recent elections. This major step brings a crucial turn in the ongoing probe into crimes committed during the unrest following the polls, with the CBI responsible for investigating such sensitive matters. The arrest, made after intense searching, offers hope for justice for the victim and signals a strong push by authorities to hold those responsible to account, as investigations continue into the horrific events.
Accused Taken Into Custody
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) recently arrested a person who had been avoiding capture in a rape case connected to the violence that occurred after the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections. The accused individual, identified as Usman Ali, also known as Ara or Mir Usman Ali, was located and taken into custody on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. He had been hiding near a mosque in Ilaychipur, Ghaziabad, in Uttar Pradesh. The arrest was made through careful efforts and by using technical insights. After his arrest, Usman Ali was brought to Delhi. He was scheduled to be presented before the Supreme Court of India on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, as directed by the court. The Central Bureau of Investigation confirmed the arrest, stating that the accused was wanted in connection with a specific incident that took place in Purba Medinipur, West Bengal.
Details of the Case
The specific crime linked to Usman Ali happened on May 4, 2021. It is alleged that on this date, the accused entered the victim’s house and committed rape. This incident occurred just two days after the results of the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections were announced on May 2, 2021. The Central Bureau of Investigation registered the case on August 30, 2021. This action followed a clear direction from the Calcutta High Court to investigate cases of post-election violence, including incidents of rape and murder, that took place immediately after the election results were made public. The CBI completed its investigation and filed a chargesheet against the accused on May 5, 2022. This document was presented before the Special Judge under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in Tamluk, Purba Medinipur.
Violence After Elections
The incident involving Usman Ali is part of a larger pattern of violence reported in West Bengal following the 2021 Assembly elections. These events, often referred to as post-poll violence, led to widespread concerns and calls for investigation. The Calcutta High Court, in August 2021, ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation to look into serious crimes like murder and sexual assault that occurred during this period. The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered a total of 58 cases related to post-poll violence in West Bengal based on the High Court’s directive. The agency has also made 224 arrests in these cases and has filed 26 chargesheets. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had also received 29 complaints of sexual assault related to the post-election violence, of which 26 were taken up by the CBI for investigation.
Court’s Involvement
Usman Ali was initially granted bail by the Calcutta High Court on September 25, 2024 (some reports state September 29, 2024). But, the Central Bureau of Investigation challenged this decision by filing a Special Leave Petition (SLP) in the Supreme Court of India. Despite being served notice, neither Usman Ali nor his legal representative appeared before the Supreme Court. This led the Supreme Court to issue a non-bailable warrant of arrest against Usman Ali on August 2, 2025. The Supreme Court specifically instructed the Central Bureau of Investigation to ensure his presence before the court by August 13, 2025. The arrest in Ghaziabad was a direct result of this Supreme Court directive. The Supreme Court has shown a strong stand on cases related to post-election violence. In a related case earlier, where four individuals were accused of damaging property and sexually harassing a woman, the Supreme Court cancelled their bail. The court described the incident as a “grave attack on the roots of democracy.” The court also noted that the “reprehensible manner in which the incident was perpetrated shows the vengeful attitude of the accused persons and their avowed objective to subdue the supporters of the opposite party into submission by hook or crook.”
Wider Investigations
The arrest of Usman Ali is part of the ongoing wider investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation into the incidents of violence that occurred after the 2021 Assembly elections in West Bengal. These investigations cover a range of serious crimes, including murder and sexual assault, as ordered by the Calcutta High Court. The ruling political party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), has stated that some of these actions by the Central Bureau of Investigation are a tactic by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to put pressure on their leaders ahead of the state assembly elections next year. The Trinamool Congress has also maintained that any violent incidents reported during the post-election period happened when law and order was under the control of the Election Commission of India due to the code of conduct. But, the complainant in a related case described himself as a supporter of the BJP. The Central Bureau of Investigation continues its efforts to investigate all registered cases thoroughly and bring those accused to justice. This includes cases where individuals have been absconding or have attempted to avoid legal proceedings. The ongoing legal processes and arrests highlight the continued focus on addressing the incidents of violence that followed the 2021 elections in West Bengal.
