PTC Web Desk: Advocate Mofakkarul Islam, alleged to be the mastermind behind the gherao of judicial officers in West Bengal’s Malda district, was arrested while attempting to flee. He was detained at Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri when he was trying to board a flight, police officials said.

Seven judicial officers held hostage

The incident took place at the Kaliachak 2 Block Development Office on Wednesday evening. Seven judicial officers, including three women, were confined inside the office for nearly eight hours by a large group of protesters. The officers were engaged in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls ahead of the Assembly elections.

Protest over voter list deletions

The protesters alleged that names of genuine voters had been removed from the electoral rolls. The issue triggered unrest in several districts, including Malda, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar and Purba Bardhaman, where demonstrations, road blockades and tyre burning were reported.

Multiple arrests made

The police have so far arrested 33 persons in connection with the incident. Among those detained is ISF candidate Maulana Muhammad Shahjahan Ali Qadri from the Mothabari Assembly seat.

Supreme Court terms incident ‘deplorable’

The Supreme Court strongly criticised the incident, calling it “deplorable” and a “well-planned attempt” to obstruct judicial functioning. The court observed that such actions amount to challenging its authority, as the officers were carrying out duties on its behalf.

Central forces to be deployed

The court has directed the Election Commission of India to deploy central forces at all locations where judicial officers are handling voter-related cases. 

- With inputs from agencies

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