Malda hostage horror: Mastermind Mofakkarul Islam nabbed at Bagdogra Airport

The accused, identified as advocate Mofakkarul Islam, was taken into custody at Siliguri's Bagdogra Airport while he was attempting to board a flight.

So far, 33 people have been arrested in connection with the incident, including a candidate from the Indian Secular Front (ISF).

The case has raised serious concerns about the security of judicial officers working under tight deadlines to complete the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.

Advocate Mofakkarul Islam, the mastermind of the unrest. Photo: Mofakkarul Islam/Facebook

Following directions from the Supreme Court of India, the Election Commission of India (ECI)—currently overseeing law and order in the poll-bound state—handed over the investigation to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday.

This move comes in compliance with the apex court’s order to have a central agency probe the incident.

What Happened in Kaliachak?

The incident occurred in the Kaliachak area of Malda during the SIR exercise. Seven judicial officers, including three women and a five-year-old child, were confined by a group described as anti-social elements at the Kalichak II BDO office in Mothabari.

• The officers were held for over nine hours, from afternoon until late at night.

• During this time, those trapped were reportedly denied food and water.

• After their release, protesters chased one judicial officer in her car, threw bricks at her vehicle, and blocked roads with bamboo barricades, creating further dangers.

• The officer, trapped in darkness amid roadblocks, reportedly raised a distress call, saying: "Please communicate it to registrar, sir… our pilot is no more with us. He met with an accident due to the hurdles of bamboos and brick barricades. We are travelling alone..."

The shocking incident has sparked debates over the safety and security of judicial officers carrying out crucial electoral duties in West Bengal.

‘Most polarised state’: Supreme Court raps Bengal govt

In a scathing observation, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Thursday described the nine-hour hostage crisis as “calculated and motivated”, calling the state the “most polarised” in the country.

Hearing the matter, the Supreme Court of India directed a detailed probe into the incident, asking the ECI to consider an investigation by either the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or the NIA.

The top court also ordered the poll body and the state government to ensure adequate security for judicial officers engaged in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

During the hearing, a sharp exchange occurred when West Bengal Advocate General Kishore Dutta argued that law and order was under the ECI due to the Model Code of Conduct. CJI Kant strongly countered, terming the incident “very, very unfortunate” and revealing that he had monitored developments till 2 a.m.