CID Nabs Malda Violence Accused, Not EC-Appointed Police: CM Mamata Banerjee Clarifies
West Bengal CM alleges political conspiracy behind unrest, claims central agencies and “outsiders” are being used to destabilise the state.
Kolkata/Malda: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday asserted that the state’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) carried out the arrest of the main accused in the Malda Mothabari protest incident, clarifying that the operation was not conducted by police officials deployed by the Election Commission.
The accused, Advocate Moffakkerul Islam—who had earlier contested the 2021 Assembly elections on an AIMIM ticket—was apprehended near Bagdogra airport while allegedly attempting to flee to Bengaluru along with an associate.
Addressing election rallies in Harirampur and Raiganj, Banerjee claimed that the unrest was pre-planned and politically motivated. She accused AIMIM of leading the protest, with support from ISF, and alleged that BJP and Congress played a role in instigating the incident.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the CID acted swiftly before any central agency, including the NIA, could intervene. She maintained that the accused was tracked and detained due to decisive action taken by the state agency.
Banerjee further alleged a larger conspiracy aimed at defaming West Bengal, claiming that “outsiders” were entering the state with financial resources and that certain officials appointed during the election period were ignoring these movements.
Raising concerns over law and order, she also accused central agencies of being misused and alleged irregularities such as illegal entry of arms, drugs, and money laundering activities.
The Chief Minister highlighted that a significant number of administrative officers in the state had been transferred ahead of elections and urged newly appointed officials to remain neutral and ensure peaceful polling.
She also expressed apprehension over alleged attempts to manipulate voter lists by including outsiders and selectively removing certain groups, warning that such actions undermine democratic processes.
Banerjee concluded by stating that her government would take necessary action once back in power, promising accountability and justice.
