The West Bengal Police today arrested two persons, including the mastermind of the gherao of seven judicial officers in Malda district, from Siliguri’s Bagdogra airport. The alleged mastermind, identified as advocate Mofakkarul Islam, was arrested while he was trying to board a flight. Speaking to reporters, ADG (North Bengal) K Jayaraman said Mofakkarul Islam hails from Itahar in Uttar Dinajpur district and was currently residing in Kolkata.

 

Three cases have been registered against him at Kaliachak police station for allegedly “instigating” locals through speeches on Wednesday, following which the seven judicial officers were gheraoed inside the Kaliachak-2 block office under Mothabari assembly constituency, he said. The police officer said that despite the National Investigation Agency (NIA) taking over the probe, the West Bengal Police would continue with their investigation to determine whether the incident was “pre-planned” and whether more people were involved.

 

With the latest apprehension, the police have so far arrested 35 people, including an ISF candidate, for their alleged involvement in the incident, he added. The Supreme Court has described the Malda incident as a brazen and deliberate attempt to obstruct the administration of justice.

 

A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant expressed concern that, despite prior intimation, the State authorities failed to provide prompt protection, leaving the officers without food or water for hours. The court issued show-cause notices to senior State officials, including the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary and Director-General of Police, asking them to explain their inaction. It directed the Election Commission to requisition and deploy adequate central forces to ensure the safety of judicial officers and the smooth conduct of the SIR adjudication process.