Malda hostage crisis: West Bengal police arrest 18 including mastermind, an AIMIM leader; NIA steps in

• Rohan Umak
• April 3, 2026

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…