West Bengal Police on Friday arrested Calcutta High Court advocate Mofakkerul Islam in connection with the Malda violence case, which was held in protest against ‘arbitrary deletions’ in the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR). He was detained at Bagdogra Airport while allegedly attempting to leave the state, officials said.
Alleged Role in Gherao of Judicial Officers
Tensions flared in Malda on Wednesday midday after a group of agitators congregated outside Kalichak 2 Block Development Office. The demonstrators expressed dissatisfaction over removal of names in the voter roll revision process. Reportedly, the protestors sought to meet with the judicial officers. Following refusal, tensions escalated. The gathering surrounded the BDO building leaving the judicial officers trapped inside. The officers were under ‘siege’ for nearly 9 hours without food or water, sources said.
As the hours passed, the protest intensified leading to a 15 plus hour halt of the National Highway 12, an important connector of North and South Bengal.
The confined judicial officers were rescued by police after Supreme Court took cognizance of the matter, following “strictest order” from the Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant himself, who stated that he was monitoring the fallout himself “until 2am” on Thursday morning.
However, the state argued that the protests were “apolitical” after election commission called the agitation “mobocracy.”
The apex court on Thursday observed that the protests looked ‘coordinated’ blockade, preventing the officers from leaving the premises and raising serious concerns about the safety of judicial personnel and the sanctity of the electoral process. The 3 bench justices also slapped a showcause notice to Director General of Bengal Police, Chief Secretary of Bengal and SP of North Bengal, further calling their inaction “deplorable in nature.”
Police arrived to the spot late at night to rescue the trapped judicial officers. However, when they were being guarded out the cars were met with bamboo barricade and stones were pelted at the vehicles leaving heavy damage like shattered window.
Police sources have indicated that Islam is suspected to have played a leading role in organising or instigating the protest that culminated in the gherao.
Who is Mofakkerul Islam?
Mofakkerul Islam is an advocate associated with the Calcutta High Court and has also been active in politics. He has previously been linked to the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and contested the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections from the Itahar constituency.
Originally from North Dinajpur district, Islam has practised law at both district courts and the Calcutta High Court. He has also been associated with local political mobilisation in parts of north Bengal.
" We want our names enlisted in the draft rolls within 24hours only then we will disperse. We will not listen to history. Khela sesh (your games are over)! You cannot lure us with lollipops. The night will say how much paddy makes how much rice! Come, gather, show them..." Mofakkerul was heard saying while standing atop a white car.
Islam is also a social media influencer with a whopping 2.3 million followers on Facebook.
Officials say he is now under investigation for his alleged involvement as a “mastermind” behind the Malda unrest.
In a video following the arrest, Mofakkerul claimed that he has been arrested in the case due to “mere presence” at the protest sight, further adding that he was falsely implicated.
Investigation Underway
Police have launched a wider probe into the incident, with multiple arrests already made in connection with the violence. Authorities are expected to examine the sequence of events, identify organisers, and determine whether the protest was premeditated.
On Thursday, Election Commission sought a detailed report on the matter further transferring the investigation to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). On Friday, DG NIA arrived in Bengal to oversee the matter.
