Protest over electoral rolls turns into major security lapse ahead of Bengal polls
April 3, 2026: In a major development ahead of elections in West Bengal, police have arrested Mofakkerul Islam, an All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen leader accused of orchestrating a protest that led to the confinement of election officials in Malda district. Islam was detained at Bagdogra Airport while allegedly attempting to leave the state and is being described as the key instigator behind the incident.
The confrontation unfolded outside the Kaliachak II Block Development Office during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. What began as a protest demanding a meeting escalated into a full-scale gherao, with seven judicial officers— including three women—trapped inside for over nine hours. The situation was further complicated by the presence of a five-year-old child among those confined, raising serious concerns over safety and law and order.
According to police, at least 35 people have been arrested and 19 cases registered so far. Senior officer K Jayaraman said investigations are underway, with a probe also examining delays in the rescue operation. Authorities have termed the incident a serious disruption of the electoral process, and further action is expected as the case unfolds.