Malda, 30 April (H.S.): In a major development in the Mothabari incident, a court has rejected the bail pleas of 52 accused, including Mofakkerul Islam, and ordered their judicial custody till May 13.

The case pertains to the alleged gherao and harassment of judges appointed by the Calcutta High Court during the verification process of voters under the SIR exercise. According to allegations, a group of people whose names were struck off from the consideration list entered the Kaliachak-II block office and confined seven judges till late night, subjecting them to harassment. The seriousness of the incident led the matter to reach the Supreme Court of India.

Following court directions and intervention by the Election Commission, the probe was handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). However, before the NIA formally took over, the state CID had already arrested Mofakkerul. Subsequently, based on video footage, a total of 52 individuals were identified and taken into custody.

The investigation initially witnessed a tussle between the state police and the NIA over jurisdiction, with the central agency alleging non-cooperation despite clear court orders. Eventually, the entire case was transferred to the NIA following judicial intervention.

On Thursday, when the accused moved bail applications, the NIA strongly opposed the pleas. After hearing both sides, the court ordered judicial custody for all 52 accused till May 13. NIA counsel Shyamal Ghosh stated that hearings were conducted in 12 cases related to the incident, and custody was granted in all. He also added that efforts are underway to submit the final investigation report at the earliest.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey