CID, not EC-apptd cops, caught Malda violence accused: CM
Times of India | 4 April 2026
Kolkata/Malda: CM Mamata Banerjee said on Friday that Bengal CID, an agency "still under her control", took "decisive action" to arrest the main accused in the Malda Mothabari protest incident.
Advocate Moffakkerul Islam, a former All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) 2021 Bengal poll candidate, was arrested outside Bagdogra airport as he attempted to flee to Bengaluru with an aide.
While Banerjee blamed AIMIM for the gherao and accused ISF of providing tactical support, she alleged that BJP and Congress instigated the incident.
"Do you know who caught the culprit of the incident in Mothabari? It was our CID, not the local police (appointed by Election Commission). He was trying to flee via Bagdogra. They came from Mumbai. It was BJP that borrowed the accused from AIMIM and brought him here. ISF is also with them," the CM said at an election rally in Malda's Harirampur, pointing out that the arrest took place before the arrival of the NIA team.
"In Bihar, they (AIMIM) assisted BJP by splitting votes. The riots in Malda two days ago were carried out by these people. It was pre-planned. Even before NIA arrived, CID took decisive action. CID, still under my control, arrested the real culprit from Bagdogra," the CM said.
Banerjee claimed the plot was intended to defame Bengal through organised acts. "They defame and insult Bengal. Bengal has been humiliated and disrespected. Minorities are being provoked and then these minorities will be tortured by NIA, CBI and ED," she said.
The CM alleged that "outsiders" were entering Bengal with cash as "EC-appointed officers" were turning a "blind eye". "Outsiders are coming from Gujarat. I have received a voice recording. Our officials have been transferred so that miscreants can freely enter Bengal. They will bring money in CRPF vehicles. I know where it is going; I have the records. I will expose them at the correct time," she said.
"In Bihar, people arrived in trains during voting. The same is happening in Bengal. They bring in arms and drugs. Money laundering is occurring. Agencies of central govt are being rampantly misused," Banerjee alleged at her second rally of the day at Raiganj in North Dinajpur.
"A migrant labourer was lynched in Rajasthan on Thursday. His body was burnt. His body has not been given to his family. Migrant labourers who want to return to Bengal are being stopped. Train tickets are not being issued to them. Their buses are being stopped in UP," the CM added.
New officials have replaced the former DG, CPs, DMs, ICs, OCs, SDOs and ADMs, Banerjee said. "I urge them not to act per BJP's instructions. You don't need to support me; work for the people. Ensure that people can vote peacefully. You also need to ensure that riots don't happen, money laundering doesn't take place, and illegal arms and drugs don't enter. All my powers have been taken away but this is temporary. We will return to office and justice will be served," the CM said.
Banerjee pointed out that 483 officers in Bengal were transferred, compared to 23 from four other poll-bound states. "Do you understand their game?" she asked.
The CM also alleged that efforts were underway to add outsiders to the Bengal voters' list. "Selective deletion of minorities, women, SCs and STs has occurred. They are stealthily submitting Form 6 because they don't trust the people of Bengal," claimed Banerjee.