Mofakkerul Islam, a leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and an advocate at the Calcutta High Court, has been arrested in connection with the Mothabari incident in Malda district. According to police, Mofakkerul was apprehended on Friday morning at Bagdogra Airport. He was reportedly attempting to board a flight to Bengaluru when authorities intercepted him. Another individual was also arrested alongside him.
Mofakkerul faces serious allegations, including delivering provocative remarks and issuing threats against the administration. Police claim that on Wednesday, he addressed a gathering in Mothabari while standing atop a passenger vehicle and using a handheld microphone, during which he allegedly made inflammatory statements.
Officials further stated that action was taken following directives linked to the Supreme Court of India, after which the Election Commission of India issued an arrest warrant against him on Thursday.
Who is Mofakkerul Islam?
Mofakkerul Islam, 40, hails from Porsa Hatkhola in Itahar, located in North Dinajpur district. He has practiced law at the Raiganj Court and has also appeared before the Calcutta High Court. He maintains a residence in Kolkata.
He joined AIMIM in 2021 and contested the West Bengal Assembly elections the same year as the party’s candidate from the Itahar constituency. Over the years, he has been associated with several mass movements in the region.
Crackdown Intensifies in Malda
Following the Mothabari incident, police have launched a large-scale crackdown across Malda district. Authorities confirmed that 19 cases have been registered so far, and at least 35 individuals have been arrested in connection with the unrest.
Addressing a press conference, North Bengal Additional Director General of Police K. Jayaraman said, “Nineteen cases have been registered regarding this incident, and 35 people have been arrested. We received intelligence that the accused, Mofakkerul, was at Bagdogra Airport; he was arrested immediately thereafter.” Tensions continue to prevail in parts of Malda as security has been tightened to prevent further escalation.
