Malda Gherao Case: ‘Mastermind’ Arrested at Bagdogra Airport

In a major breakthrough, the West Bengal Police on Friday arrested advocate Mofakkarul Islam, alleged to be the mastermind behind the gherao of seven judicial officers in Malda. He was detained at Bagdogra Airport while reportedly attempting to board a flight and flee. The arrest takes the total number of accused in the case to 35.

Key Developments

Police officials confirmed that Mofakkarul Islam was apprehended in Siliguri along with an associate after tracking his movements following the incident.

Authorities allege that he played a central role in instigating a mob that gheraoed seven judicial officers inside the Kaliachak-2 block office for several hours on Wednesday night.

According to senior officials, multiple cases have been registered against him at the Kaliachak police station for allegedly provoking locals through speeches.

Detailed Coverage

The incident took place in the Kaliachak area under the Mothabari assembly constituency, where judicial officers were reportedly confined by a mob after tensions escalated.

Police sources revealed that a viral video circulating on social media helped investigators identify Islam’s alleged role in inciting the crowd.

After the incident, the accused reportedly switched off his mobile phone and attempted to evade authorities. Investigators suspect he was planning to travel to Bengaluru before being intercepted at Bagdogra airport.

Authorities have registered a total of 19 cases related to the incident, indicating the scale and seriousness of the situation.

Background & Context

Mofakkarul Islam, originally from Itahar in North Dinajpur district, previously practiced law in Raiganj district court before moving to the Calcutta High Court.

He had also contested the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections as a candidate of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen from Itahar, where he secured only 831 votes.

The gherao of judicial officers has raised serious concerns about law and order and the safety of public officials in the state.

Official Statements / Quotes

A senior police officer stated:
“He is the mastermind of the Kaliachak incident… He was trying to board a flight to flee.”

ADG (North Bengal) K. Jayaraman confirmed that coordinated efforts involving the CID and Siliguri Police led to the arrest.

Officials also noted that multiple FIRs have been filed against the accused for instigating unrest in different locations.

Impact Analysis

This incident highlights growing concerns over mob violence and the vulnerability of judicial and administrative officials in volatile situations.

The involvement of legal professionals in alleged instigation adds another layer of seriousness, raising questions about accountability within institutional frameworks.

With the National Investigation Agency (NIA) taking over the probe, the case could have wider implications if links to organized or pre-planned activities are established.

Conclusion

The arrest of the alleged mastermind marks a significant step in the investigation, but authorities continue to probe whether the Malda gherao was pre-planned and if more individuals were involved. Further arrests and legal action are expected in the coming days.

Key Highlights

Advocate Mofakkarul Islam arrested at Bagdogra airport while attempting to flee
Accused of masterminding Malda judicial officers’ gherao
Total arrests in the case rise to 35
19 cases registered in connection with the incident
Viral video helped police identify the accused
NIA has taken over the investigation
Police suspect the incident may have been pre-planned

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is Mofakkarul Islam?
He is an advocate accused of masterminding the Malda gherao incident involving judicial officers.

2. Where was the accused arrested?
He was arrested at Bagdogra Airport near Siliguri while allegedly trying to flee.

3. What happened in the Malda gherao case?
Seven judicial officers were surrounded and confined by a mob inside a block office for several hours.

4. How many people have been arrested so far?
A total of 35 individuals have been arrested in connection with the case.

5. Which agency is investigating the case?
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the probe, alongside state police.

6. Why is this case significant?
It raises serious concerns about law and order, judicial safety, and possible organized instigation behind mob actions.

Malda Gherao Case: ‘Mastermind’ Arrested at Bagdogra Airport