Kolkata/New Delhi, April 7 (NationPress) The Calcutta High Court Bar Association has strongly denounced the alleged assault on judicial officers in Malda, West Bengal. In a decisive move on Tuesday, the Bar Association passed a resolution to suspend one of its own members and called for swift action against all those implicated in the incident.

During an urgent general body meeting convened at 1:30 p.m., the Bar Association expressed its serious concern over the events that transpired early on April 1 in Kaliachak, Malda. Reports indicate that seven judicial officers, including three women, were purportedly held hostage for nearly nine hours amidst a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

“The members of the Bar Association High Court, Calcutta, are profoundly disturbed by the alarming visuals and reports that have circulated regarding this cowardly attack on the judiciary,” the resolution stated.

Describing the incident as an “abhorrent criminal act,” the Bar Association emphasized that the legal community “cannot remain indifferent” to such assaults on the judiciary, labeling the event a deliberate attempt to instill a “profound sense of terror” across the state.

The resolution also criticized the inaction of the police during the attack.

“We are aware that the police acted merely as spectators and permitted such barbaric acts and unchecked hooliganism to persist for nearly nine hours,” it noted.

Furthermore, the resolution revealed that advocate Mofakkerul Islam, a Bar Association member, has been identified as the “main perpetrator” behind the incident and the alleged incitement of the mob.

Expressing their outrage, the Bar Association has resolved to suspend Islam from its membership effective immediately.

“Given the circumstances… we unanimously resolve to suspend Advocate Mofakkerul Islam from this esteemed Bar Association of the High Court at Calcutta until the conclusion of the criminal proceedings,” the resolution stated.

It also mentioned that disciplinary actions would be initiated for his expulsion and a request would be made to the Bar Council of West Bengal for his de-enrolment.

“We will request the Bar Council of West Bengal to de-enrol this misconduct-prone advocate for his criminal actions, which are contrary to the principles of a learned advocate,” it added.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has taken serious note of the incident, directing the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to assume control of the investigation into the Malda incident, utilizing its powers under Article 142 of the Constitution.

A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant remarked that the allegations against the West Bengal Police necessitated an independent investigation and ordered the anti-terror agency to investigate all 12 FIRs related to the incident.

The apex court has also allowed the NIA to file additional FIRs if a broader conspiracy is discovered, mandated periodic status reports to be submitted, and instructed the state police to provide all evidence and full cooperation.

Previously, the apex court labeled the incident a “blatant attempt” to intimidate the judiciary and highlighted the apparent failure of the state administration to respond adequately despite prior alerts.