Mamata blames AIMIM, ISF, Congress, BJP for Malda hostage incident; takes credit for mastermind’s arrest

Addressing a rally, Banerjee alleged, “BJP has brought AIMIM, which is backed by ISF. Congress and BJP had instigated the mob as well.”

She further claimed, “AIMIM helped BJP win in Bihar by splitting votes. The AIMIM is also behind the Malda incident.”

Banerjee also credited her government for the arrest of the alleged mastermind, saying, “Our CID, which does not fall under the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and not the local police, arrested the mastermind.”

The accused, identified as advocate Mofakkarul Islam, was arrested from Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri while attempting to board a flight.

So far, 33 people have been arrested in connection with the incident, including a candidate from the ISF. The case has raised serious concerns over the security of judicial officers working under tight deadlines to complete the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.

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 probe to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Thursday.

The move complies with the apex court’s directive for a central agency investigation into the incident.