New Delhi: The National Investigation Agency on Sunday detained Gulam Rabbani, a local leader linked to the Indian Secular Front, in connection with the Malda gherao case in West Bengal. According to sources, Rabbani is an influential figure in the Mothabari area and had reportedly held a meeting a day before the incident.
Officials are probing whether the protest was planned in advance and later turned into a targeted attack on judicial officers. Rabbani is likely to be formally arrested after questioning, as the agency continues to examine evidence.
NIA examines planning behind incident
Investigators are focusing on whether the gathering was organised with intent to disrupt official duties. The agency is also studying links between local meetings and the events that followed. Officials believe more arrests may take place as new details emerge.
SC raises concerns
On April 6, the Supreme Court took serious note of the incident and described it as “pre-planned and motivated.” The court questioned how such a situation was allowed to unfold and raised concerns about the role of local authorities.
It directed that the case be handed over to the NIA, stating that the “local police can’t be trusted” to carry out a fair probe. The court also ordered that those already arrested be interrogated by the central agency.
In strong remarks, the court criticised West Bengal’s chief secretary for not responding to calls from the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court. It asked the official to issue an apology and stressed the need for accountability.
What happened in Malda
The incident took place in the Kaliachak area of Malda district. A group of seven judicial officers, appointed by the Calcutta High Court, were surrounded by a large crowd while they were on duty.
They had been sent to oversee electoral roll revision work ahead of upcoming elections. The gherao lasted for several hours and raised concerns about the safety of officials and the conduct of election duties.
Before the case was transferred, West Bengal Police and CID had arrested more than 40 people. With the NIA now leading the investigation, officials expect further action based on fresh evidence.