The arrest of alleged mastermind AIMIM leader Mofakkarul Islam by West Bengal CID over the Malda violence has triggered a political war. The BJP questions the timing, alleging it’s a move to save him from an NIA probe, while CM Mamata Banerjee defends her government.
The Malda violence has triggered a major political showdown, with the arrest of alleged mastermind All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) leader Mofakkarul Islam by the West Bengal Criminal Investigation Department (CID) drawing sharp reactions from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders, while Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee defended her government.
The West Bengal CID arrested advocate Mofakkarul Islam, identified as the alleged mastermind of the Kaliachak incident, from Bagdogra Airport while he was reportedly attempting to flee. He has been accused of leading the April 1 protests in Malda, during which seven Special Intensive Revision (SIR) judicial officers were allegedly held hostage for over nine hours. Islam, who is also associated with the AIMIM, was produced before a court following his arrest. He told reporters, “I did not say anything provocative. My movement will continue until the names of legitimate voters are registered.”
According to Additional Director General of Police (ADG) North Bengal K Jayaraman, at least 35 people have been arrested so far in connection with the incident, and authorities are probing whether the violence was pre-planned. The incident has now escalated into a significant political flashpoint, with the BJP mounting a strong offensive against Banerjee, questioning the timing of Islam’s arrest.
BJP Slams Mamata Govt, Alleges Conspiracy
Meanwhile, the West Bengal CM defended her government’s actions and accused the BJP of conspiring to create unrest in Malda. Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar cast serious doubts over the timing and intent behind the arrest of alleged Malda violence mastermind Mofakkirul Islam, claiming it was a move to save him from a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe.
‘Arrested to Save Him from NIA’: BJP’s Sukanta Majumdar
Majumdar told reporters, “The NIA investigation is going on as per the instructions of our Election Commission and Chief Election Commissioner. Before that, the CID arrested him (Mofakkirul Islam). I have some doubts about this. Whether the arrest was made to actually arrest him or to save him will be known after the investigation. Whether anyone else is involved or not, Trinamool Congress is definitely there. We have shown you all the photos of this Mofakkirul with the Trinamool Congress, its leaders, and Mamata Banerjee. It shows how this man is or was associated with the TMC.”
BJP MP Jagannath Sarkar alleged that such incidents were unprecedented and accused the state leadership of being complicit, even calling for strict intervention by the Supreme Court. “I have not seen such an incident in India before. Everything is happening under the direction of Mamata Banerjee in Bengal. She should be arrested. SC should impose 365 as soon as possible and conduct elections for a fair election,” Sarkar told ANI. He further alleged that by reviving old connections and blaming the BJP, Mamata Banerjee aims to consolidate Muslim votes.
“By reviving old connections and blaming the BJP, Mamata Banerjee’s plan is to consolidate Muslim votes in this way. Mofakkirul, even after being arrested, is giving messages online on Facebook. Look, if someone goes live on Facebook while in CID custody, it supports my allegation that Mofakkirul was arrested or made to be arrested by the CID so that he could live a comfortable life. Otherwise, if the NIA catches him, the NIA’s ‘tea’ is a bit bitter. Therefore, to save him, ‘Didi’ (Mamata Banerjee) has taken him with love,” Majumdar added.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju also criticised the West Bengal government, accusing it of disregarding constitutional norms and the authority of the judiciary. “The TMC government in West Bengal doesn’t believe in the Constitution of India. TMC thinks it is above the judiciary and the Supreme Court. One must follow the rule of law and follow the Constitution. TMC, being frustrated, is taking the law into its hands. The people of West Bengal are ready to punish the TMC government in Bengal,” Rijiju told ANI in Thiruvanthapuram.
Mamata Defends Govt, Blames BJP for Unrest
Responding to the allegations, CM Banerjee defended her government’s actions, asserting that swift arrests by the CID demonstrated administrative efficiency. She accused the BJP of conspiring to create unrest in Malda, alleging they brought in outsiders to provoke violence. She alleged that the recent incident in Malda, where seven judicial officers, including three women, were held hostage by villagerson Wednesday, was a pre-planned conspiracy orchestrated by outsiders brought from Mumbai, asserting that the state CID has made arrests while the NIA failed.
“The DGP and SP have all been newly appointed. Everyone must stay vigilant so that riots and money laundering do not take place. We will return, and justice will be served for those incidents. The incident in Malda has been taken up by the CID. People were brought in from Mumbai. They had hired individuals and planned everything in advance. But while the NIA could not catch them, our CID has arrested them. Taking advantage of this situation, the BJP is trying to provoke minorities and is conspiring to get them arrested. BJP is bringing in money using CRPF vehicles,” Banerjee said.
“Elections are being held in four states. A total of 506 officers have been transferred, out of which 483 are from Bengal alone. The game is on, and it will be intense. No matter how much you conspire, people in Bengal will see your face and cut your votes. If someone is called an infiltrator, then everyone is an infiltrator. Then how did they become ministers by winning votes?” she added. The West Bengal CM alleged that the CRPF personnel present will work in favour of the BJP and urged everyone to stay alert. “No candidate should be overconfident. CRPF personnel will be present. They will work in favour of the BJP. Everyone must stay alert. On the day of voting, mothers and sisters should go to vote carrying brooms, cleaning the roads as they go. The revenge for the deletion of names will be taken in the ballot box,” she added.
Broader Concerns Over ‘Violent Elections’
RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha expressed concern over the broader implications of the violence, warning that the country could be pushed towards increasingly violent elections. “What has happened is concerning, but I am seeing that Bengal is being pushed towards violent elections, and when this happens, the leaders of our country need to look in the mirror. The behaviour of the Election Commission is in itself a matter of concern. ED and CBI were already in their (BJP’s) camp. I simply urge that elections should be held in the country every 5 years, but the damage to harmony being caused in the country cannot be compensated,” he told ANI.
ECI Refers Case to NIA
Meanwhile, the Election Commission of India (ECI) confirmed that the case has been referred to the NIA, which has begun a preliminary enquiry into the incident. On April 1, thousands of people blocked the two gates of the BDO office, detaining staff, including seven judicial officers, for several hours before they were rescued after midnight. (ANI)
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)