Union Minister of State Sukanta Majumdar expressed concerns about the arrest of AIMIM leader Mofakkarul Islam by the West Bengal Police’s CID for his alleged involvement in harassing judicial officers in Kaliachak. Majumdar accused the ruling Trinamool Congress of trying to shield Islam, pointing to their alleged connection.
Mofakkarul Islam was apprehended at Bagdogra airport in Darjeeling while attempting to flee the state ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal. The state is set to vote on April 23 and 29 in a two-phase election process.
Questioning the swift arrest of Islam by the CID, Union Minister Majumdar raised doubts about the genuineness of the arrest. He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to determine the true motives behind the arrest and whether it was aimed at protecting the accused.
Majumdar highlighted images of Mofakkarul Islam alongside Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other Trinamool Congress leaders, insinuating a close association between the AIMIM leader and the ruling party. He asserted that the Trinamool Congress is implicated in the matter, regardless of any potential external involvement.
Accusing Chief Minister Banerjee of attempting to secure the Muslim community’s votes by reviving past alliances and blaming the BJP, Union Minister Majumdar criticized her political strategy. He suggested that Banerjee’s actions were geared towards consolidating support from the Muslim electorate.
Addressing reports of Mofakkarul Islam’s social media activity while in CID custody, the Union Minister pointed out the implications of such actions. He alleged that the CID’s handling of the arrest may indicate a lenient approach, implying that a National Investigation Agency (NIA) intervention would have been more severe.
Union Minister Majumdar disclosed that the NIA is currently conducting an investigation under the direction of the Chief Election Commissioner. The arrest of Mofakkarul Islam followed his alleged involvement in an incident where judicial officers were held captive by a mob in Kaliachak, with Islam identified as the individual making inflammatory statements.
