The individual behind the hostage situation in Malda has vowed to persist in his protest against the removal of voter names in West Bengal. Speaking to the press after his court appearance on Friday, the AIMIM leader, who is also a lawyer, declared his intention to continue the demonstrations until the names of voters under scrutiny are reinstated. He was apprehended at Bagdogra airport in Siliguri while attempting to escape.
In Bengali, Islam affirmed, “The protests will go on. Until the voters’ names subject to review are included in the list, the protests will not cease.”
When questioned about any potential political influence on his actions, he adamantly denied any external direction, stating, “This is my service to the public.” Islam also refuted allegations of incendiary remarks and challenged reporters to provide evidence supporting such claims.
Regarding comments made by Mamata Banerjee, the Trinamool Congress leader and Chief Minister of Bengal, suggesting his affiliation with the BJP, Islam dismissed her claims as unfounded.
A total of 19 individuals, including Islam, have been arrested in connection with the April 1 incident, where seven judicial officers were reportedly held hostage at the Kaliachak II Block Development Office in Malda for approximately nine hours. Among the hostages was a five-year-old child of one of the officers. These officials were responsible for reviewing voters placed under scrutiny following the release of the final SIR list. They were eventually rescued by law enforcement around 1 am.
Islam gained notoriety from a viral video where he openly challenged senior government officials, demanding their presence at the scene. However, sources within the Bengal Police informed India Today that Mofakkarul Islam’s name was indeed included in the final list.
This incident has intensified the political rivalry between the ruling TMC and the opposition BJP in election-bound Bengal. While the TMC asserts that Islam is linked to the BJP, the BJP alleges that the mastermind has close ties to several TMC leaders.