Mastermind Behind Judicial Officers' Harassment Arrested at Bagdogra Airport
Synopsis
Mofakkarul Islam, the key figure behind the harassment of judicial officers in Kaliachak, was captured at Bagdogra airport while attempting to flee West Bengal. This incident has led to a total of 19 arrests, including a candidate from the AISF party.
Key Takeaways
Mofakkarul Islam arrested at Bagdogra airport while trying to escape.
A total of 19 individuals have been arrested in this case.
The harassment incident involved judicial officers being held hostage for nearly nine hours.
Islam was previously active in politics as an AIMIM candidate.
The situation raises significant concerns about judicial safety in the region.
Kolkata, April 3 (NationPress) Mofakkarul Islam, identified as the chief orchestrator behind the harassment of judicial officers in Kaliachak, located in West Bengal's Malda district, was apprehended at Bagdogra airport in Darjeeling district on Friday while attempting to flee the state.
By profession, Islam is an advocate and has been notably associated with the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), a party founded by Asaduddin Owaisi.
An arrest warrant was issued for Mofakkarul on Thursday under the directives of the Supreme Court. Following this, law enforcement had been on a manhunt for him across various locations.
Since Thursday, he had also been unreachable via his mobile device.
A native of Porsa Hatkhola in Itahar of North Dinajpur district, Islam practices law in both the Raiganj District Court and the Calcutta High Court.
In recent years, he has resided in Kolkata with his wife and children. Prior to the 2021 Assembly elections, he joined AIMIM and contested for the Itahar seat, but faced defeat, losing not only the election but also his security deposit.
On the night of Wednesday, a group of voters had taken seven judicial officers, including three women, hostage inside a block office at Kaliachak for approximately nine hours, protesting against the removal of their names during the judicial adjudication process.
A person was seen addressing the agitated crowd during this incident, who was later identified as Islam. Following this identification, an arrest warrant was issued, leading to his capture at the airport the following morning.
With Islam's arrest, the total number of individuals detained in this case has risen to 19. Among them, one is Maulana Shahjahan Ali, a candidate from the All India Secular Front (AISF) in the Mothabari Assembly constituency of Malda district.
On Wednesday night, the group had held the judicial officers hostage in response to grievances over their names being deleted under the “logical discrepancy” category during judicial proceedings.
At around 1 a.m. on Thursday, a significant police presence, led by senior district officials, arrived to disperse the crowd, rescue the judicial officers, and ensure their safe relocation. They had been encircled for nearly nine hours, and reports indicated attempts to attack the convoy while transporting them to safety.
Point of View
The arrest of Mofakkarul Islam sheds light on the alarming issue of judicial officer harassment in West Bengal. The swift action by law enforcement reflects a commitment to uphold the integrity of the judicial system, ensuring that such acts of violence are met with accountability.
NationPress
8 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mofakkarul Islam?
Mofakkarul Islam is an advocate and the mastermind behind the harassment of judicial officers in Kaliachak, West Bengal.
What happened in Kaliachak?
A group of voters took judicial officers hostage in protest against the removal of their names during judicial proceedings.
How many arrests have been made?
A total of 19 arrests have been made in connection with the harassment incident.
What role did Mofakkarul Islam play?
Islam was identified as the person addressing the mob that held the judicial officers hostage.
What action was taken by law enforcement?
Police forces successfully rescued the judicial officers and apprehended Mofakkarul Islam at Bagdogra airport.
