Malda hostage crisis: The West Bengal Police on Friday laid hands on 18 persons, including Mofakkerul Islam, in connection with the protests that led to the confinement of seven judicial officers in Malda, they said. Islam, allegedly associated with the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), was detained at the Bagdogra Airport, while he was reportedly attempting to flee. Officials said that he is a practising advocate and a former electoral candidate, and has been accused of leading the agitation that spiralled into a nine-hour hostage situation at the Kaliachak IT Block Development Office. 

IG keeping tab on probe

Officials aware of the development added that the raids are ongoing, and the Inspector General (IG) of North Bengal is keeping a close tab on the probe. The incident transpired in Malda during protests linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in the state. As many as 7 judicial officers, who  were tasked with reviewing disputed voter records, were surrounded and were held inside the office for nine hours on Wednesday. These included three women officers and even a five-year-old kid accompanying one of them. 

The police intervened late at night and rescued the victims, during which protesters allegedly pelted stones at the security vehicles, damaging its windowpanes and pushing up tensions. 

Malda hostage crisis: NIA takes charge

In another significant development, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the probe into the Kaliachak incident. Senior IPS officer Sonia Singh arrived in Kolkata to spearhead the probe, signalling the gravity of the case. As of now, the authorities are examining the sequence of the events, including videos showing Islam openly throwing a challenge to senior officials during the protest. 

SC slams ‘criminal failure’

The matter reached the Supreme Court on Thursday, which sharply criticised the state administration, labelling it a ‘criminal failure.’ A bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI), Surya Kant expressed concern over the safety of judicial officers and the breakdown of law and order. Furthermore, the court directed the Election Commission of India (ECI) to deploy central forces for ensuring the protection of officials and ordered that the investigation be handled by central agencies like the NIA or CBI.

Also read: “No one told me”: Bengal CM Mamata after SC rebukes her over Malda hostage crisis