Kolkata, 05 January (H.S.) : In a major development in the attack on police personnel in Sandeshkhali, police have arrested Mortaza Molla, the elder brother of the main accused Musa Molla. Najat police station officials arrested three more persons between Sunday night and early Monday morning, taking the total number of arrests in the case to 12. The prime accused, Musa Molla, however, remains absconding.

According to police sources, Musa Molla was accused of illegally occupying a piece of land, following which a court imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144, banning any construction activity on the disputed plot. Despite the court order, Musa allegedly began constructing a boundary wall on the land on Friday night.

After receiving information, a team from the Rajbari police outpost reached the spot. The police later went to Musa’s residence in Bayarmari and asked him to report to the police station. It was at this point that Musa allegedly called his supporters, who then attacked the police personnel. Four police officers were injured in the incident.

The incident led to tension in the area, prompting police to launch a crackdown. Nine people were arrested on Saturday, followed by the arrest of three more accused during raids conducted from Sunday night to Monday morning. Mortaza Molla, the elder brother of the prime accused, was among those arrested.

Police said efforts are underway to trace and arrest the absconding main accused, Musa Molla. All the arrested accused will be produced before the Basirhat sub-divisional court on Monday. Police have sought 10 days of custodial remand for further investigation.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh