35 in cop net as main accused in Mothabari attack nabbed
The Statesman | 4 April 2026
Siliguri Police, in coordination with the CID, on Friday detained Mofakkerul Islam from Bagdogra Airport, identifying him as the alleged main instigator behind the confinement of judges and subsequent attacks on them at Mothabari in Malda district.
He was later arrested in connection with three specific cases registered at Kaliachak police station on charges of instigation.
Addressing the media at Mothabari police station on Friday morning, ADG and IGP (North Bengal) K. Jayaraman said Islam played a key role in inciting the mob that confined judicial officers during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise on Wednesday night.
“With the assistance of CID and Siliguri Police, Mofakkerul Islam ~ believed to be an advocate ~ was detained while attempting to flee. He has now been arrested in connection with three cases registered against him at Kaliachak police station,” Mr Jayaraman said.
He added that Islam, a resident of Itahar under Raiganj police district, who had been living in Kolkata, had addressed gatherings at multiple locations across Murshidabad and Malda while travelling towards Itahar. “He allegedly instigated people, and several of his videos went viral on social media. We had been tracking his movements. As he attempted to leave for Bengaluru, he was intercepted and detained by the CID,” he said.
Mr Jayaraman also said that another individual, Akramul Bagani, founder of a portal and an associate of Islam, was detained after he tried to flee. “So far, 19 cases have been registered in connection with the Mothabari incident and 33 persons have been arrested. With these two arrests, the total number rose to 35,” he added.
Following his detention, Islam told reporters that he was travelling to Alipurduar and had only addressed gatherings protesting the deletion of names from voter lists. “I have no role in the confinement of judges or the attacks on them,” he claimed.
“I was protesting against the alleged branding of many people as D-voters during the SIR process. I have been arrested merely for addressing gatherings on my way. The incident involving the judges took place in Mothabari and had no connection with me. I continue to oppose the deletion of names from the electoral rolls,” he added.
On the possibility of intervention by the National Investigation Agency, Mr Jayaraman said any such move would be dealt with strictly in accordance with legal procedures.
Explaining the delay in the rescue operation on Wednesday night, he said that despite adequate police deployment, immediate forceful action was avoided due to the presence of a large number of women and children at the site. “That was the primary reason for the delay in rescuing the judges,” he noted.
He further said that an inquiry into the incident is underway and a report identifying any lapses would be submitted to the appropriate authorities soon.