Trinamool Congress councillor Shakir Ali, husband of former Trinamool MP Aparupa Poddar, has been placed in two days’ National Investigation Agency (NIA) custody regarding the 2023 Ram Navami violence incident. The NIA alleged that Shakir was the main instigator of the chaos during the Ram Navami celebrations in 2023, orchestrating the gathering of bricks and bombs.
Rishra in Hooghly district faced turmoil during the 2023 Ram Navami procession, witnessing bomb attacks, vandalism, and arson that disrupted the lives of locals. The NIA, while investigating the case, discovered 36 rounds of ammunition at Shakir’s residence, intended for various weapons. The cartridges will undergo forensic examination to determine their intended use.
During the court proceedings, the NIA explained the necessity of detaining Shakir, citing his lack of cooperation with the investigation and the recovery of incriminating materials. CCTV footage allegedly showed Shakir leading the unrest and vandalizing vehicles, including one identified as his own white car. Subsequently, the court granted a two-day NIA custody for Shakir Ali.
