West Bengal: Police Arrest 35 After Protesters Surround 7 Judicial Officials in Malda

Police have arrested 35 individuals in connection with the gherao of seven judicial officers by protesters in West Bengal’s Malda district. The protest was reportedly triggered by the removal of names from voter lists. According to K. Jayaraman, Additional Director General (North Bengal), the arrests were made as part of the ongoing investigation into the incident. He stated on Friday that authorities have taken strict action in the case, now commonly referred to as the Malda confinement incident. Providing further details, the officer said that one accused, identified as Mofakkarul Islam, was taken into custody from Bagdogra Airport on charges of inciting people. He was reportedly on his way to his residence in Itahar at the time of detention. Officials are also probing whether the incident was pre-planned. Following the episode, security for the judicial officers has been strengthened, with protection provided by the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). The police have reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order in the region. Jayaraman emphasized that all necessary measures will be taken to prevent any recurrence of violence. He stated that while peaceful protests are permitted, any form of violence will not be tolerated under any circumstances. The tension in the area is believed to have escalated due to the large-scale deletion of names from voter lists under the ongoing SIR process, which sparked protests among affected individuals.