NIA Makes First Arrests in Malda Judicial Officers Siege Case
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has made its first arrests in connection with the April 1 siege of judicial officers involved in SIR verifications at Mothabari in Malda. In a significant development, the agency has taken into custody two members of the Congress party and one member of the Indian Secular Front (ISF).
Details of the Arrests
On Sunday, the NIA arrested Congress members Sahadat Hossain and Asif Sk, alongside ISF member Golam Rabbani. All three were produced before an NIA court in Kolkata. Additionally, Sayem Choudhury, the local Congress candidate, was questioned by the agency but was released later.
NIA's Preliminary Findings
According to the NIA's initial investigation, the siege was not a spontaneous event but a pre-planned incident involving a multi-layered conspiracy. Investigators have uncovered evidence suggesting that Golam Rabbani held a meeting the day before the violence, while Asif Sk and Sahadat Hossain were present during the agitation.
Background of the Accused
Sahadat Hossain is a functionary of the Congress trade union, INTUC. Asif Sk serves as the district chief of Chhatra Parishad, which is the youth wing of the state Congress. Golam Rabbani is a panchayat member affiliated with the ISF.
Political Reactions and Allegations
Sayem Choudhury, the Congress candidate who was questioned, has alleged a nexus between the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) behind the arrests. He described the protest as a peaceful demonstration against voter deletions. In response, TMC candidate Nazrul Islam dismissed these allegations, refuting any involvement.
Previous Police Action
Before the NIA took over the investigation, the Bengal police had already lodged 12 cases and arrested 49 individuals in connection with the siege. Among those arrested earlier was Maulana Shahjahan Ali, the ISF's candidate for Mothabari. The NIA's involvement marks a new phase in the probe, focusing on the alleged conspiracy aspects of the case.
