Kolkata, 13 April (H.S.) : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested three individuals in connection with the recent violence in West Bengal’s Malda district, where judicial officers were allegedly held hostage. Preliminary findings suggest the incident was not spontaneous but part of a well-planned, multi-layered conspiracy.

Among those arrested is Indian Secular Front (ISF) leader Ghulam Rabbani. According to sources, he was present at a meeting held a day prior to the incident. Two Congress-linked workers, Shahadat Hussain and Asif Sheikh, have also been taken into custody. Investigators believe the duo had organised a separate बैठक to mobilise a large crowd ahead of the घटना.

The NIA’s initial probe indicates that the violence was premeditated and aimed at destabilising the area, rather than being a spontaneous protest.

The incident dates back to April 1, when thousands of people surrounded the Block Development Office at Kaliachak-II in Malda. Protesters allegedly blocked both entry gates and held staff members along with seven judicial officers hostage for nearly eight hours. All individuals were safely rescued after midnight.

The unrest reportedly began over large-scale deletions from voter lists during a special intensive revision exercise. Considering the gravity of the situation, the Election Commission of India had recommended an NIA probe on April 2.

Earlier, the Supreme Court of India described the incident as “deliberate and well-planned” and directed that the matter be investigated by a central agency. The court also stressed that such acts, which undermine the morale of judicial officers and obstruct their functioning, cannot be tolerated. It further called for ensuring security for officials and their families, including deployment of central forces.

The NIA has registered a case under multiple serious charges, including violence, arson, and unlawful confinement of judicial officers. The agency is treating the case as part of a larger conspiracy and has indicated that further arrests are likely as the investigation progresses.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh